The Learn to Love Podcast

Therapist and author, Kristal DeSantis, shares insights on building trust and safety in relationships, understanding male psychology, and bridging communication gaps between men and women. The discussion covers emotional connection, societal influences on relationships, and the importance of vulnerability and nurturing. Emphasizing the significance of self-awareness, effective communication, and active investment in relationships for long-lasting connections.

Are we seeing a resurgence in mystical practices? How is eros foundational to an interpretation of scripture? What can mystical writings teach us about attachment theory? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews the professor, editor, and researcher David M. Odorisio, PhD on The Wound of Love: Mysticism & Eroticism. For more on this episode click here: https://www.the-heart-center.com/ep-140-the-wound-of-love-mysticism-eroticism-with-david-odorisio-phd/ Learn more about your guest below: David M. Odorisio, PhD is Associate Core Faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where he teaches in the Mythological Studies and Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness MA/PhD programs. David received his MA in the History of Christian Spirituality from St. John's University (Collegeville, MN) and his PhD in East-West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (San Francisco). David is the editor of four volumes, including: Thomas Merton in California: The Redwoods Conferences and Letters; A New Gnosis: Comic Books, Comparative Mythology, and Depth Psychology; Merton & Hinduism: The Yoga of the Heart; and co-editor of Depth Psychology and Mysticism. David teaches courses in the areas of psychology and religion, comparative mysticism, and contemplative spirituality. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Mysticism Unit for the American Academy of Religion. Learn more at www.ahomeforsoul.com https://www.instagram.com/thomas_merton_california/ https://www.pacifica.edu/faculty/david-odorisio/ https://twitter.com/MonkRocker Thomas Merton in California: https://amzn.to/4evuS5M A New Gnosis: https://amzn.to/4eqHETj Depth Psychology and Mysticism: https://amzn.to/3XsQGsK Subjects mentioned in the show: Bernard McGinn, The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (anthology of sources) Classics of Western Spirituality Series (Paulist Press) John of the Cross, Dark Night & Living Flame of Love (Selected Works) Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle Marguerite Porete, The Mirror of Simple Souls Mechtild of Magdeburg, The Flowing Light of the Godhead Hadewijch of Antwerp, Selected Works Daniel London, The Cloud of Unknowing, Distilled Learn more about your host and the show at: www.zachbeach.com www.the-heart-center.com *****Support The Show****** If you like the show there are many ways you can support it, such as, Schedule a FREE love coaching session with Zach: https://www.zachbeach.com/coaching/ Check out one of our sponsors, Listenable, and use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. There you can find Zach’s How To Be a Better Partner Course: https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1256514-e13191&p_affiliate.referral_code=zachbeach Purchase a book from our blossoming professional network: https://www.the-heart-center.com/books/ Purchase one of Zach's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/zach_beach Review, Like, and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Spotify. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/learntolovenow Join the Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428012130828678/

How have gender roles shifted in our relationships? How can struggling mothers connect better with their daughters? What does it mean to have a family-centered family? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews the author, psychologist and Love Warrior, Dr. Debra Mandel on Improving Mother-Daughter Relationships. For more on this episode click here: https://www.the-heart-center.com/ep-139-improving-mother-daughter-relationships-with-debra-mandel-ph-d/ Learn more about your guest below: Nationally renowned psychologist and author of four published books (Don’t Call Me a Drama Queen, Dump That Chump, Your Boss Is Not Your Mother and Healing the Sensitive Heart), “Dr. Debra” Mandel, aka The Love Warrior has over thirty years of experience specializing in helping individuals, couples, and families learn how to thrive in their relationships. She has extensive training, and treatment experience, with addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and abuse from childhood. Dr. Debra adapts her style and approach to meet the needs of her clients--understanding that no two people are exactly alike, and hence, each requires individualized care! If Dr. Debra’s name sounds familiar, it’s no wonder. She has appeared on hundreds of national TV and radio shows including Raising Sextuplets, Love Handles, Tyra Banks, The Today Show, and The Early Show. She has been a regularly featured expert on CNN Headline News, The O’Reilly Factor, and Inside Edition and is frequently sought out by journalists and reporters for her expertise in numerous areas. She co-hosted her own radio show The Dr Debra and Therapist Kelli Show on latalkradio.com, accumulating over a million listeners. Dr. Debra incorporates a variety of methods in her practice (including EMDR and EFT for trauma), using a compassionate tone coupled with an interactive approach. She currently practices via telehealth from her home in Thousand Oaks, California. For more details on her practice and products, please visit her at www.drdebraonline.com. Learn more at https://drdebraonline.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DrDebraM/ https://x.com/DrDebraMandel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8Rr98_iwmpnx0_gz2BdBw https://www.instagram.com/dr.debramandel/ Sassy and Rude: https://amzn.to/3VLAhyA Healing the Sensitive Heart: https://amzn.to/3Xn9zgQ Your Boss Is Not Your Mother: https://amzn.to/3VK3hXf Dump That Chump: https://amzn.to/3XnXdVP Don't Call me a Drama Queen: https://amzn.to/3Xt0Olo Learn more about your host and the show at: www.zachbeach.com www.the-heart-center.com *****Support The Show****** If you like the show there are many ways you can support it, such as, Schedule a FREE love coaching session with Zach: https://www.zachbeach.com/coaching/ Check out one of our sponsors, Listenable, and use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. There you can find Zach’s How To Be a Better Partner Course: https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1256514-e13191&p_affiliate.referral_code=zachbeach Purchase a book from our blossoming professional network: https://www.the-heart-center.com/books/ Purchase one of Zach's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/zach_beach Review, Like, and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Spotify. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/learntolovenow Join the Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428012130828678/

What’s up with men? Are they under attack, or finally being held accountable? What are the first steps to making better men? What is the only love that really matters? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews the therapist and author Eric FitzMedrud on Becoming Better Men. For more on this episode click here: https://www.the-heart-center.com/ep-138-becoming-better-men-with-eric-fitzmedrud-phd/ Learn more about your guest below: Eric FitzMedrud, PhD is a therapist specializing in relationship and sexual issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. His specialty is helping men improve their sex lives by learning to regulate their emotions, removing sexual entitlement, and honing their sexual consent and negotiation skills. FitzMedrud is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. He has been published in an academic book an academic journal and has spoken at multiple conferences. He has also trained therapists and taught many graduate courses in psychology. FitzMedrud has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. He is polyamorous and bisexual, and lives with his wife of twenty-three years and his life partner of six years in San Francisco’s East Bay area, California. Learn more at https://www.drericfitz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drericfitz/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drericfitz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@drericfitz?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfnOXDhCvLxP30qUhTazhkA Get the book: https://amzn.to/44Y7Wbh Learn more about your host and the show at: www.zachbeach.com www.the-heart-center.com *****Support The Show****** If you like the show there are many ways you can support it, such as, Schedule a FREE love coaching session with Zach: https://www.zachbeach.com/coaching/ Check out one of our sponsors, Listenable, and use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. There you can find Zach’s How To Be a Better Partner Course: https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1256514-e13191&p_affiliate.referral_code=zachbeach Purchase a book from our blossoming professional network: https://www.the-heart-center.com/books/ Purchase one of Zach's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/zach_beach Review, Like, and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Spotify. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/learntolovenow Join the Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428012130828678/

Are we living in anxious times? What is compassionate self-awareness? How can an understanding of our “model of self” help us build a more secure attachment style? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews the author, speaker, and psychologist Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhD on Overcoming Anxious Attachment For more on this episode click here: https://www.the-heart-center.com/ep-137-overcoming-anxious-attachment-with-leslie-becker-phelps-phd/ Learn more about your guest below: Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhD is an internationally published author, speaker, and psychologist. She is the author of The Insecure in Love Workbook, Insecure in Love, and Bouncing Back from Rejection. Becker-Phelps has a private practice in Basking Ridge, NJ; and is on the medical staff of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. She came on to the show to talk about her newest book, The Insecure in Love Workbook (New Harbinger Publications, April 2024) which provides step-by-step exercises rooted in self-compassion to move past feelings of anxiety and worry, so readers can feel more secure in themselves and in their relationships. Readers will learn how to: Recognize physical sensations, negative thoughts, distressing emotions, and unhealthy behavior patterns that underlie their insecurity Respond to triggers without beating themselves up Overcome self-doubt, neediness and possessiveness Break the cycle of insecurity and self-sabotage and cultivate self-acceptance Learn more at https://drbecker-phelps.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DrLeslieBP https://twitter.com/DrLeslieBP/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99-YM7u9FCQ2U1UOxXmOiA Insecure in Love Workbook: https://amzn.to/4dGxai5 Insecure in Love: https://amzn.to/3yhXsqN Bouncing Back from Rejection: https://amzn.to/4dBCjbf Learn more about your host and the show at: www.zachbeach.com www.the-heart-center.com *****Support The Show****** If you like the show there are many ways you can support it, such as, Schedule a FREE love coaching session with Zach: https://www.zachbeach.com/coaching/ Check out one of our sponsors, Listenable, and use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. There you can find Zach’s How To Be a Better Partner Course: https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1256514-e13191&p_affiliate.referral_code=zachbeach Purchase a book from our blossoming professional network: https://www.the-heart-center.com/books/ Purchase one of Zach's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/zach_beach Review, Like, and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Spotify. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/learntolovenow Join the Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428012130828678/

In this engaging discussion, Thais Gibson, a therapist and attachment expert, unpacks the complexities of limerence—an intense emotional state often confused with love. She explores the differences between infatuation and genuine love, emphasizing emotional regulation and healthy communication. Gibson also shares insights on reprogramming negative beliefs through auto-suggestion and highlights the importance of self-love. With her unique framework, she encourages listeners to foster genuine connections and prioritize personal growth in their relationship journeys.

If the heart could speak, what would it say? What is the one lie that destroys relationships? What are the five components of healthy communication? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews the therapist, speaker, and author Dr. Heather Browne on Speaking From the Heart. For more on this episode click here: the-heart-center.com/ep-135-speaking-from-the-heart-with-dr-heather-browne-psyd-lmft/ Learn more about your guest below: Dr. Heather Browne PsyD, LMFT helps people recognize the power of communication. It is one of our most important skills that we have, and yet we don’t consider our understanding, approach, belief, and therefore, miss our possibilities. Living with a paranoid schizophrenic mother gave Dr. Heather a unique and powerful awareness that no one has the same reality, though we believe we do. Utilizing this revolutionary awareness has allowed her to transform communication within self and within all other types of relationships. This is the hidden key to acceptance. And this is her mission to share. As a relationship expert, Dr. Heather Browne has worked with thousands of individuals and couples in psychotherapy. She is a TedX and keynote speaker, a published in hundreds of journals, has an active TikTok channel, has been featured on ABC-7 news, was the relationship expert on KDOC Daybreak OC, and is published in Inc., Toronto Sun, Thriving Family Magazine, Light + Life, BRAINZ, Scary Mommy, and Psychology Today. She is a regular guest blogger for both Links for Shrinks and for Marriage Friendly Therapists. Learn more at https://www.drheatherbrowne.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087652243855 https://www.instagram.com/dr.heatherbrowne/ https://www.tiktok.com/@heathermbrowne?_t=8j6SnPCuONO&_r=1 https://www.youtube.com/@dr.heatherbrowne Learn more about your host and the show at: www.zachbeach.com www.the-heart-center.com *****Support The Show****** If you like the show there are many ways you can support it, such as, Schedule a FREE love coaching session with Zach: https://www.zachbeach.com/coaching/ Check out one of our sponsors, Listenable, and use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. There you can find Zach’s How To Be a Better Partner Course: https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1256514-e13191&p_affiliate.referral_code=zachbeach Purchase a book from our blossoming professional network: https://www.the-heart-center.com/books/ Purchase one of Zach's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/zach_beach Review, Like, and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Spotify. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/learntolovenow Join the Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428012130828678/

What are the stages of Emotionally Focused Therapy? How important is safety in our relationships? What can couples do to reduce conflict? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews both the therapists and coauthors Jennine Estes Powell, and Jacqueline Wielick on Helping High-Conflict Couples For more on this episode click here: the-heart-center.com/ep-134-helping-high-conflict-couples-with-jennine-estes-powell-lmft-and-jacqueline-wielick-lmft/ Learn more about your guest below: Jennine Estes Powell, LMFT, is founder of Estes Therapy, a group practice working with all aspects of relationships. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified in emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and specializes in training therapists to work with couples. Jacqueline Wielick, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of her own private practice, Therapy by Jackie. She specializes in working with couples, relationships, emotions, trauma, and attachment, and has advanced training in EFT and other research-based theories. Learn more at https://HelpForHighConflictCouples.com https://www.jackiewielick.com/ https://estestherapy.com https://jenninepowell.com https://instagram.com/estes_therapy https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinejeannew/ #BeingLOVEDIs campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qd_f4ljx7U Get the book: https://amzn.to/3TxO76z Learn more about your host and the show at: www.zachbeach.com www.the-heart-center.com *****Support The Show****** If you like the show there are many ways you can support it, such as, Schedule a FREE love coaching session with Zach: https://www.zachbeach.com/coaching/ Check out one of our sponsors, Listenable, and use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. There you can find Zach’s How To Be a Better Partner Course: https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1256514-e13191&p_affiliate.referral_code=zachbeach Purchase a book from our blossoming professional network: https://www.the-heart-center.com/books/ Purchase one of Zach's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/zach_beach Review, Like, and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Spotify. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/learntolovenow Join the Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428012130828678/

What are the basic principles of building secure attachment in our children? How can divorced parents co-parent together? What are the six principles of cooperative co-parenting? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews the Marriage and Family Therapist and author, Aurisha Smolarski. For more on this episode click here: the-heart-center.com/ep-133-security-after-separation-with-aurisha-smolarski-lmft/ Learn more about your guest below: Aurisha Smolarski, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified co-parenting coach, and mediator with a clinical practice in Los Angeles, CA. She specializes in working with co-parents, couples, and individuals. As a mom and co-parent herself, she is very familiar with the challenges faced by parents raising kids in two households. For more than ten years, she has drawn on attachment theory and other modalities to help clients navigate their emotional whirlwinds and create a secure co-parenting family. Learn more at https://www.aurishasmolarski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cooperativecoparenting/ https://www.facebook.com/cooperativecoparenting Get the book: https://amzn.to/3Pb2POa Learn more about your host and the show at: www.zachbeach.com www.the-heart-center.com *****Support The Show****** If you like the show there are many ways you can support it, such as, Schedule a FREE love coaching session with Zach: https://www.zachbeach.com/coaching/ Check out one of our sponsors, Listenable, and use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. There you can find Zach’s How To Be a Better Partner Course: https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1256514-e13191&p_affiliate.referral_code=zachbeach Purchase a book from our blossoming professional network: https://www.the-heart-center.com/books/ Purchase one of Zach's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/zach_beach Review, Like, and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Spotify. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/learntolovenow Join the Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428012130828678/

Why are relationships harder now than they were 10 years ago? What is fast food communication and how can it help our relationships? What are the best solutions to common relationship problems? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this week's episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews the psychotherapist, best-selling author, and radio host Kelli Miller on Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues For more on this episode click here: the-heart-center.com/ep-132-love-hacks-with-kelli-miller/ Learn more about your guest below: Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, and radio host. Kelli is the author of the couples relationship book “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” and the award winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. She was a relationship host on Balance by Nature TV and is current- ly a writer and relationship host for wikihow.com. Kelli was a co-host on LA Talk Radio with over 1 million listeners, 250 guest celebrities and authors, and an expert radio personality for SIRIUS/XM Radio. She was the “Women’s Relationship Expert” on the Examiner.com and also the advice columnist to the largest listserv in the country as well as a freelance writer to over 12 magazines and newspapers. She was recently quoted in Oprah magazine in three separate relationship articles. Learn more at https://kellimillertherapy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kellimillertherapy https://www.instagram.com/kellimillertherapy/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChY211tPLsK3ewhngMgM25A Get the book: https://amzn.to/49sJ4Js Learn more about your host and the show at: www.zachbeach.com www.the-heart-center.com *****Support The Show****** If you like the show there are many ways you can support it, such as, Schedule a FREE love coaching session with Zach: https://www.zachbeach.com/coaching/ Check out one of our sponsors, Listenable, and use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. There you can find Zach’s How To Be a Better Partner Course: https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&s=1256514-e13191&p_affiliate.referral_code=zachbeach Purchase a book from our blossoming professional network: https://www.the-heart-center.com/books/ Purchase one of Zach's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/zach_beach Review, Like, and Subscribe to the show on iTunes and Spotify. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/learntolovenow Join the Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428012130828678/