

Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Ready to work on yourself, supercharge your life and create the love, happiness, and success you truly deserve? Join me, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, your trusty guide on this transformative journey! I'm here every week to help you develop yourself, do the work, and grow into the person you want to be. In every episode, you'll discover the secrets to incredible relationships, authentic happiness, life-changing personal growth, the dream career you've been longing for, and how to create all the good stuff life has to offer. As a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, board-certified coach, and the visionary behind GrowingSelf.com, I'm on a mission to light up your path to greatness. Every single week, we dive deep into your burning questions, chat with inspiring experts, and serve up fresh, actionable ideas for you to put into practice. Don't miss out on your chance to level up your life! Tune in and let's co-create the love, happiness, and success story you've always dreamed of. It's time to unleash your potential! 💫🎙️
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 30, 2025 • 60min
Invisible Influence: What’s Really Driving Your Thoughts, Feelings & Behaviors? | E481
 Dr. Tatyana El-Kour, a registered dietitian and psychologist, explores the unseen forces shaping our choices. She reveals how algorithms subtly guide our eating habits and emotional states by analyzing our online behavior. Tatyana also discusses the powerful connection between our gut microbiome and emotions, emphasizing its role in resilience and focus. The conversation encourages listeners to recognize these influences and reclaim their decision-making power, paving the way for more intentional choices in life. 

Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 6min
Can Love Survive Betrayal? How to Rebuild Trust and Heal Together | E480
 When trust is broken, everything changes. The person who once felt like your safest place can suddenly feel like a stranger, and finding your way back can feel impossible.
In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, trained relationship specialists, speakers, and authors of Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection that Stands the Test of Time. After a devastating betrayal early in their marriage, they did the hard, courageous work of rebuilding honesty, safety, and connection - not just for themselves, but now for the couples they help heal.
We talk about what partner betrayal trauma really looks like, why “just move on” never works, and what it actually takes to rebuild trust after betrayal. From understanding trauma’s impact on your nervous system to creating emotional safety and vulnerability again, this is an honest look at how love can truly recover and grow stronger on the other side.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal
01:30 Meet Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith
05:36 The Hidden Addiction and the Moment of Truth
16:20 Beginning the Recovery Journey
27:00 The Reality of Partner Betrayal Trauma
33:20 Why “Just Move On” Doesn’t Work
43:40 How Trauma Healing Actually Happens
49:20 The Blueprint for Rebuilding Trust
58:00 Finding Purpose and True Intimacy
01:00:45 Where to Find Support and Resources
What would it mean to feel safe again in your body, in your relationship, or even within yourself? How do we begin to trust when trust has been broken? And if you’re the one who caused harm, how do you face that truth with compassion and courage instead of shame?
If this conversation stirs something in you… maybe memories, questions, or a quiet hope that healing is possible… I have a free resource that can help you take the next step. My Communication That Connects Masterclass was designed to help you move beyond pain and misunderstanding, and start building the kind of emotional safety that real repair depends on. 
Let’s stay connected - I share more insights, videos, and real talk about love and growth every week on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I’d also love to hear what resonated for you or what questions you’d like me to explore next. Let’s keep the conversation going - let’s talk!
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 

Oct 23, 2025 • 45min
How Find a Career Path You’re Passionate About | LHS Classic E240
 This episode originally aired on April 5, 2021 (Episode 240), and I’m bringing it back because so many of you said it gave you the clarity you didn’t know you needed. If you’re feeling stuck in your career or wondering whether there’s something more fulfilling out there for you, this conversation is worth revisiting.
So many people come to me at a professional crossroads. On paper, things look fine — good job, steady paycheck — but inside, they’re wrestling with harder questions: Is this what I’m meant to be doing? Where’s the meaning? And what would it actually look like to feel passionate about my work?
Finding your passion isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s about understanding how you got here, untangling what’s yours from what you were told to want, and designing a career that aligns with who you are now.
In this episode, we’re talking about how to get unstuck, how to reflect with purpose, and how to move forward, even when it feels like there are a thousand possible directions and no clear right answer.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Getting Unstuck When You Have Too Many Options
05:12 Career Crossroads: How to Navigate Paralysis and Indecision
11:08 Life Design vs. Job Search: Shifting How We Think About Career
18:39 Finding Your Passion by Reflecting on the Past
27:26 The “Quarter-Life” Crossroads: Making Sense of How You Got Here
30:12 Burnout or Misalignment? How to Tell the Difference
34:45 The 10-Year Vision Exercise That Brings Long-Term Clarity
36:44 Why Big Career Decisions Shouldn’t Happen During Burnout
We cover how early life influences, past roles, and even burnout shape your career path, often without you realizing it. And we’ll help you figure out whether you need a new job or a new perspective on the one you already have.
What if you stopped pushing through and started getting curious? What would it feel like to move toward a career that fits you, not just the version of you who started years ago?
If you’re feeling ready to find your passion and design a career that actually fits, I’d love to support you as you start taking clear, doable steps. Through my Career Clarity Intensive, you can have clarity and confidence about the right next step for you, how to grow professionally and attain what you really want, and actualize the fullness of your potential in your career!
The first step: join me for a free coaching call to design your next chapter. Here’s the link to register.
And if you want to keep this conversation going beyond the podcast, come find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I’m always sharing tools and insights to help you build a life and career that reflect your values and your worth. And if something from this episode sparked something for you, I’d love to hear how you’re making sense of your path. Let’s talk!
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 

Oct 20, 2025 • 50min
How to Feel More Secure in Your Relationship | LHS Classic E251
 If you’ve ever questioned where you stand with your partner or second-guessed their love, this will help you feel more grounded, connected, and secure. This episode first aired on June 21, 2021 (Episode 251), and I’m bringing it back because so many of you said it hit home. 
Ever replayed a conversation, overread a text, or felt on edge when your partner seemed distracted even when nothing was “wrong”? That kind of relationship anxiety can keep you chasing reassurance. I’m joined by my colleague Georgi, a marriage and family therapist on our Growing Self team, to talk about why security can feel slippery and what it takes to build emotional safety that lasts.
We look at how attachment injuries, big and small, quietly shape how you show up in love. Early experiences, broken trust, and even subtle disappointments can make connection feel risky and drive patterns like jealousy, anger, or withdrawal. Together, we talk about interrupting those cycles, hearing what your anxiety is trying to say, and inviting your partner into repair with curiosity rather than blame.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction: Why It’s Hard to Feel Secure in Your Relationship
07:05 How Attachment Shapes Emotional Safety and Trust
10:40 When Insecurity Shows Up as Anger or Jealousy
18:50 What Fuels Insecurity: Attachment Injuries and Unmet Needs
26:25 Inviting Your Partner In and Re-building Connection
30:35 Responding With Empathy Instead of Defensiveness
35:40 The House Analogy: Re-building Trust Brick by Brick
37:15 Emotional Safety as the Core of a Healthy Relationship
As you listen, notice what shows up for you. When anxiety spikes, what story starts running—and how do you usually respond? Do you shut down, reach for control, or start hunting for proof that you’re okay? Try pausing to ask what you truly need in that moment: comfort, reassurance, or a steadier sense of safety within yourself.
If communication is adding to the tension, try my Communication that Connects Masterclass. It’s a simple way to step out of those conflict loops and have conversations that build understanding. It includes a workbook so you can practice right away!
You might also like my How Healthy Is Your Relationship? quiz. It’s quick, gives you language for what’s happening, and points to where your relationship could use more care.
Want ongoing support between episodes? Find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I share fresh tools and encouragement to help you create the love, happiness, and success you deserve. If this episode sparked something, or an idea for a future topic, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk!
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 

Oct 16, 2025 • 49min
How to Become Influential: Everyday Leadership That Creates Change | E479
 You know that feeling when you look around at the news, your job, your relationships, and everything feels a little out of control? Like no matter what you do, it’s never enough to really make a difference? I get it. So many of us are carrying that quiet sense of powerlessness right now. But here’s the thing: you have more influence than you realize. You’ve just never been shown how to use it.
In this episode, I’m talking with Cynthia Rivard, business strategist, and author of A New Breed of Leader, about what it truly means to become influential. Not in the “stand at the front of the room” kind of way, but in the real, human way that changes how you show up for yourself, your relationships, and your community.
We’re getting into influential leadership as a way of life - how to lead from within, ripple change outward, and shift from helplessness to hope through small, intentional action. This isn’t about being in charge, but about being conscious, compassionate, and brave enough to start where you are.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Why We Feel Powerless & How to Become Influential
03:22 Redefining Leadership: Everyday Influence & Micro Leadership
05:05 Ripple Effects: How Small Actions Shape Others
11:28 Building Trust as the Core of Influential Leadership
13:11 Staying Grounded in Conflict & Division
23:52 Compassionate vs. Authoritative Leadership
25:00 Vision and Action: Breaking Free from Inaction
31:45 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis with Micro Actions
39:03 Enrolling Others in Your Vision
43:29 Key Takeaways on Influential Leadership  
If you’ve been feeling ready to show up differently in your relationships, your work, or your life, I’d love to support you as you start putting that influence into action. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It’s a private, supportive space where you can share what’s been on your mind, whether that’s building confidence, finding your voice, or learning how to lead your life with intention. We’ll help you get matched with the right expert so you can move forward feeling clear, encouraged, and hopeful.
I’d also love to stay connected beyond the podcast. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, where I share stories, reflections, and gentle reminders to help you stay intentional as you lead your own life. And if something from this conversation really hit home, tell me about it - I’d love to hear how you’re using your influence out in the world. Let’s keep this conversation going!
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 

Oct 13, 2025 • 39min
High Achiever? Why Everything Works Except Your Relationships (with Hilary Silver) | E478
 Some women seem to have it all together. They’re confident, capable, and thriving in their careers. Yet when it comes to love… it’s like they’re playing a game with a whole different rulebook. I’ve talked with so many high-achieving women who can handle anything at work (big goals, big responsibilities, big wins) but still feel unsure or unseen when it comes to real connection.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Hilary Silver, clinical therapist, master coach, and host of the Ready for Love podcast. Hilary and I talk about why strong, successful women so often find themselves repeating the same relationship patterns. We get into how old habits of proving, pleasing, and perfecting the ones that helped you rise so high can quietly start working against you when it comes to love.
Hilary shares the three roles she sees most often in high achievers: the Pleaser, the Perfectionist, and the Pusher. Each one starts as a way to stay safe, but over time it builds walls that make closeness harder. We talk about what it really takes to lower those defenses, feel solid in who you are, and let love in without losing yourself in the process.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Why High-Achieving Women Struggle in Love
01:29 Hilary Silver’s Journey From Therapy to Coaching
08:08 The Hidden Wounds Behind High Achievement
11:08 Protection Prevents Connection: Pleaser, Perfectionist, Pusher
16:20 How Self-Protection Creates Relationship Difficulties
23:33 The Tree Metaphor for Personal Growth
26:08 Coaching vs. Therapy: Choosing the Right Path
31:08 Transformation Stories and Hope for Authentic Love
Now, take a moment to reflect. When do you catch yourself working hard to prove your value in love? What parts of you stay tucked away because you’re afraid they won’t be accepted? And what might happen if you stopped trying to earn love and allowed yourself to receive it instead?
I’d love to help you take the next step toward deeper, more authentic connection. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It’s a private, no-pressure space where you can share what’s been on your mind - whether that’s building self-worth, breaking old patterns, or learning how to open your heart again. We’ll help you find the right support so you can move forward feeling clear, encouraged, and hopeful.
Come find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I share stories, insights, and gentle reminders every week to help you stay grounded and connected as you grow. And if today’s topic brought up a question or an “aha” moment, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep talking about this - we’re all learning how to love better, together.
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 

Oct 9, 2025 • 55min
When Polarized Politics Get Personal: How to Maintain Relationships (with Dr. Bill Doherty) | E477
 What do you do when someone you love sees the world so differently from you that every conversation feels tense? When your values and beliefs clash so deeply that you start wondering if you can stay close at all?
If you’ve ever found yourself in that tension, between wanting to stay connected and wanting to stay true to yourself, you are not alone. In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Bill Doherty, a professor, therapist, and co-founder of Braver Angels, about how to navigate hard conversations when politics, cultural influences, or deeply held beliefs divide us.
Dr. Doherty shares how the same tools that heal intimate relationships can also strengthen our political communication, especially with the people we care about most. We talk about emotional self-regulation, listening with genuine curiosity, and the courage it takes to connect before you correct. You’ll hear how story and empathy can shift defensiveness into understanding, and how choosing calm over control can keep love alive across even the deepest divides.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction with Dr. Bill Doherty and Braver Angels
02:16 The Origin of Braver Angels Workshops
10:30 Affective Polarization and Its Impact on Relationships
16:07 Media, Social Media, and the Angertainment Industry
21:46 Emotional Regulation and Communication Strategies
30:39 Choosing Whether to Engage or Step Back
32:05 Connect Before You Disagree
37:13 Using “I” Statements and Sharing Personal Stories
42:29 The Stories Behind Our Beliefs
50:21 You Can’t Fight Someone the Same Way When You Know Their Heart
Take a moment with me: who in your life do you find hard to talk to about what really matters? What might happen if you stopped trying to convince them and started listening for the experiences that shaped their beliefs? How might that change the way you show up in those moments?
If listening today brought up memories of your own hard conversations, especially that ache of wanting to stay close when your differences feel impossible, I have something that can help. My Communication That Connects Free Masterclass is designed to help you move past power struggles and into real understanding. Inside, I’ll walk you through the exact skills that turn tense moments into opportunities for empathy and connection. You’ll learn how to calm reactivity, communicate from the heart, and create emotionally safe conversations - the kind that honor both your truth and your relationship.
If this episode got you thinking (or feeling) about your own relationships, come hang out with me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I’m there every week sharing new insights, tools, and little reminders to help you stay grounded and connected - even when life gets messy! And if something from today’s conversation sparked a question or story you want to share, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep this conversation going.
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 

Oct 6, 2025 • 55min
What Does It Take to Be an Entrepreneur? Feat. Melissa Bernstein | E476
 Have you ever fantasized about quitting your job, starting your own business, and finally doing something that feels 100% yours? It sounds amazing… until you remember that entrepreneurism also comes with risk, uncertainty, and about a million ways things can go sideways. So what does it really take to be an entrepreneur?
In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Bernstein - entrepreneur, creative, author, mother of six, and co-founder of both the billion-dollar toy company Melissa & Doug and the wellness brand Lifelines. Melissa shares what it really takes to be an entrepreneur: the resilience to weather constant storms, the patience to love the process for years before you see results, and the clarity of purpose that keeps you moving forward when everything feels like it’s falling apart.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 The Dream vs. Reality of Entrepreneurship
03:50 Start With Curiosity: Research Before You Launch
06:50 From Ingredients to Mission: Let Ideas Simmer
11:59 Resilience in Action: Setbacks, Copycats, and Mindset Shifts
18:22 The 3 Ps: Passion, Patience, and Purpose
20:46 Purpose Over Profit: Building a Legacy Brand
22:10 Patience Pays: A Decade to Real Traction
39:00 Openness to Experience: Beginner’s Mind and “New Eyes”
42:39 Protect Fragile Ideas: Share Only When the Vision Is Clear
As you listen, reflect with me: What’s the mission you feel so strongly that you couldn’t walk away from it, even if you tried? Do you love the process of what you want to create enough to stay with it for decades? And are you running toward something that lights you up, or just trying to escape something you don’t like?
If this conversation with Melissa got you thinking more deeply about your own path, I would love to help you take the next step. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It is a no-pressure chance to share what has been on your mind, whether that is growing in your career, clarifying your goals, or building more meaning into your work.
I believe everyone deserves support as they figure out what is next, and these free consultations are one way I can make that support accessible. My hope is that you leave our time together feeling more clear, more encouraged, and more confident about where you are heading.
And let’s not let the conversation stop here. I’m always sharing new insights, encouragement, and little growth tools on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube - but what I really love is hearing from you. Your thoughts and questions often spark future episodes, so if something in this one lit a fire for you, let me know. Let’s talk!
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 

Oct 2, 2025 • 36min
How to Communicate With an Angry Partner | LHS Classic E243
 This episode first aired on April 26, 2021 (Episode 243), and I’m bringing it back because so many listeners told me it felt like I was speaking directly to their experience.
Living with a partner who always seems angry is confusing, painful, and can leave you feeling constantly on edge. In this episode, I’ll help you understand what’s really happening in that dynamic and share strategies to move back toward safety and connection. Whether you’re in the middle of it now, reflecting on a past relationship, or supporting someone you care about, my hope is that this brings you both clarity and comfort.
Anger in relationships is almost always a secondary emotion. Beneath the sharp words or defensiveness, there’s usually hurt, fear, or a longing to feel cared for. I’ll walk you through why trying to shut anger down often makes things worse, how shifting your own responses can change the cycle, and what it really takes to rebuild trust and create space for vulnerability.
As you listen, consider: What story have you been telling yourself about your partner’s anger? What might shift if you saw the pain or fear underneath it? And how could you show up in a way that invites connection instead of distance?
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Understanding Why Your Partner Always Seems Angry
05:47 The Pursue–Withdraw Cycle in Relationships
11:02 What’s Really Driving Anger in a Relationship
18:03 When Anger Crosses Into Abuse
20:03 How to Rebuild Trust Through Emotional Availability
24:28 Anger as a Secondary Emotion: Hurt and Fear Beneath the Surface
27:03 How Counseling and Support Can Shift Entrenched Patterns
28:06 Recommended Resources for Healing Relationships
If you’re tired of replaying the same arguments, I created my Communication That Connects Free Training to help. It’s a crash course in breaking conflict loops and building conversations that bring you closer. It comes with a workbook so you can start practicing right away.
You might also love my How Healthy Is Your Relationship? Quiz. It’s quick, but it will give you such a clear picture of your strengths as a couple and the areas that might need more care. Sometimes just naming what’s really going on is the first step to healing.
For more ongoing support, join me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, where I share tools and encouragement every week. And if this episode sparked a question or made you think of a topic you’d like me to cover, I’d love to hear from you - let’s talk!
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 

Sep 29, 2025 • 44min
Dealing With a Withdrawn Partner | LHS Classic E244
 This episode originally aired on May 3, 2021 (Episode 244), and I’m bringing it back because so many of you told me how much it resonated. If you’ve ever struggled with a partner who shuts down or found yourself withdrawing, this one’s worth revisiting. Whether you’re navigating it now, reflecting on the past, or supporting someone you love, I hope it brings clarity and hope.
Few things hurt more than reaching for your partner and being met with silence. In this episode, I’m unpacking why people shut down, how it damages connection, and what you can do to change the pattern. We’ll look at the pursue-withdraw cycle, Gottman’s “Four Horsemen,” and why emotional safety is the key to breaking through. You’ll learn how to soften your approach, communicate vulnerably, and rebuild trust - while also considering when it’s time to stop chasing and start filling your own cup. 
As you listen, think about how you usually respond when your partner withdraws and what effect that has. Consider what might change if you focused more on creating safety than on pushing for answers. And ask yourself where you could begin creating fulfillment in your own life, instead of waiting for your partner to engage.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction & Why Partners Shut Down
06:00 The Pursue-Withdraw Cycle in Relationships
11:04 The Impact of Withdrawal and Avoidance
13:01 Gottman’s Four Horsemen & The Cost of Stonewalling
15:12 Why Withdrawal Happens & When It’s About More Than You
20:40 Creating Emotional Safety and Communicating Vulnerably
28:04 Positive Reinforcement, Diplomacy & Patience
36:10 Filling Your Own Cup & Breaking the Chase Cycle
If you’d like more support as you work on these skills, check out my Communication That Connects Free Training. It’s designed to help you move out of conflict loops and into conversations that bring you closer, and it comes with a workbook to guide you through the process. You can also take my How Healthy Is Your Relationship? Quiz for quick insight into what’s working well and where you might want to focus your growth.
Let’s stay connected beyond the podcast. I share more tools and encouragement every week on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. And I’d love to hear from you if this episode sparked a question, gave you an idea for a future topic, or made you think about your relationship in a new way - let’s talk!
And a special thank you to the sponsor of today’s episode: Headway. I love reading and learning, but I don’t always have time to sit down with a book. The Headway app makes it easy to keep growing with bite-sized summaries of the best titles out there, and I use it almost every day. If you’d like to try it, you can save 25% at makeheadway.com/lhs with the promo code LHS.
Let’s keep learning and growing together. 🌱
xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self 


