
Relationships Made Easy
The research says the key to a happy life is happy relationships. But how exactly do you make your relationships better? That’s what this show is all about. I’m Dr. Abby Medcalf, psychologist, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and (according to my kids) the bossy Jewish mom you didn’t know you needed. With decades of experience and millions of listeners in over 180 countries, I give you the no-fluff, research-backed strategies to make all your relationships better: with your partner, your family, your friends, and (most importantly) yourself. Every week on the Relationships Made Easy podcast, I mix straight talk, humor, and science to help you communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, and stop second-guessing yourself. Because great relationships aren’t built in a day. Great relationships are built daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

May 5, 2025 • 51min
333. Why You (or Your Partner) Struggle to Talk About Feelings: Understanding Alexithymia
If you’ve ever felt like your partner shuts down when you ask, “How are you feeling?” or you find yourself saying, “I don’t know what I’m feeling; I just feel off,” you might be dealing with something deeper than emotional avoidance. You might be dealing with alexithymia. No, it’s not a disease. Nobody’s broken. But it’s real, and it affects your relationships, your mental health, and your ability to connect with yourself. Because if you don’t know how to identify or express your emotions, it’s going to be hard to have the connections and relationships you want. Today you’ll learn exactly what alexithymia is, the science behind it, and my six-step plan to build the skill of knowing what you’re feeling so you can create more connection, ease, and joy.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/why-you-or-your-partner-struggle-to-talk-about-feelings-understanding-alexithymiaGrab my Feelings List: https://abbymedcalf.com/feelingslist Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbookWant to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives, where you’ll find past episodes.Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.comFor more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtubeA great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shopSay hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 28, 2025 • 54min
332. Why We Eat Our Feelings: Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Eating
Ever found yourself knee-deep in a pint of ice cream after a stressful day, convincing yourself that this is "self-care"? (Or is that just me?). Emotional eating is a common (yet sneaky) coping mechanism that many people struggle with. Why do we turn to food when we’re stressed, sad, or even bored? More importantly, how can we break free from the cycle? Today we’re diving into the psychology behind emotional eating, why it’s so hard to stop, and my top six research-backed ways to regain control over what’s on your plate and what’s really weighing on your mind.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/why-we-eat-our-feelings-understanding-and-overcoming-emotional-eatingGrab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbookWant to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.comReady to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shopA great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shopSay hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 21, 2025 • 38min
331. A New Mindset for Navigating Neurodiverse Relationships
If you’re in a relationship where one or both partners are on the autism spectrum, you’ve probably noticed that the usual relationship advice doesn’t quite work for you. You might have read articles, watched videos, or even talked to a therapist, but instead of feeling helpful, that advice often leaves you feeling more frustrated, disconnected, or misunderstood. Here’s why: you’re not just speaking different love languages; you’re coming from different neurological cultures. This isn’t about broken communication. It’s about translation. When you shift your mindset to view your relationship like a cross-cultural partnership, where both people bring strengths, challenges, and a completely valid worldview, you stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold and start building a relationship that actually works for you. Today we’ll explore what it really takes to make a neurodiverse relationship thrive, starting with letting go of neurotypical expectations and embracing a mindset of curiosity, patience, and collaboration.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/a-new-mindset-for-navigating-neurodiverse-relationships Grab my FREE How I Show Love Worksheet: https://abbymedcalf.com/showlovesheet Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 57min
330. Codependency and Boundary Red Flags When Dating
Explore the complexities of codependency in dating and recognize the red flags that may lead to unhealthy dynamics. Learn to identify behaviors like love bombing and validation-seeking that can violate your boundaries. Discover actionable strategies for maintaining self-awareness and nurturing healthier relationships. Emphasizing the importance of communication, you'll be guided on how to trust your instincts and establish firm boundaries. Gain insights to foster confidence and prevent over-giving in romantic connections.

Apr 7, 2025 • 54min
329. The Science of Friendship: How to Build, Keep, and Let Go of Friends as an Adult
Friendship is one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of our well-being. Not only does the research show that friendships keep us mentally healthy, but studies also show they keep us physically healthy. As adults, making and maintaining friendships can feel more complicated than it once did, leaving you feeling disconnected or unsure of how to build meaningful connections. Today, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a good friend, how to create new friendships as an adult, and what makes a friendship healthy and fulfilling. You’ll also learn how to recognize when a friendship is no longer serving you and how to let go with grace and we’ll answer that age-old question, “Can men and women be friends?” Whether you’re looking to strengthen your current friendships, meet new people, or navigate your social anxiety in these situations, you’ll walk away with actionable tools and insights to build the kind of friendships that bring joy, ease, and connection into your life.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-science-of-friendship-how-to-build-keep-and-let-go-of-friends-as-an-adultGet the 7-Day Friendship Challenge: https://abbymedcalf.com/friendshipchallengeLearn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbookWant to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.comReady to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shopSay hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 31, 2025 • 56min
328. Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: The Four Steps to Set Healthy Boundaries with Family
Families can be wonderful and supportive, but they can also be experts at overstepping, guilt-tripping, and ignoring personal space, like a TSA agent who really loves their job. If you've ever struggled to say "no" to a family request (that felt more like a demand), you're not alone. The good news? You can establish limits and boundaries without turning into a villain or cutting ties completely. Today you’ll learn actionable strategies and my four steps to set healthy, effective boundaries with the people you’re trying so hard to love. ____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/stop-feeling-overwhelmed-the-four-steps-to-set-healthy-boundaries-with-familyJoin Abby's One Love Collective or buy the bundle for this episode! Grab my Boundaries Within Different Cultures Worksheet: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-cultures Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 24, 2025 • 51min
327. Fear of Rejection vs. Fear of Abandonment: How to Tell the Difference and Heal Both
Fear of rejection and fear of abandonment are certainly similar, but they hold some important differences. In fact, what you do to heal your fear of rejection, is not necessarily what you do to heal your fear of abandonment. Although they’re closely related, they’re still distinct emotional experiences and they show up differently in your relationships, your self-perception, and in your coping mechanisms. Today you’ll learn all about the differences and how to apply specific tools for each so you can heal and find a healthy balance in all your relationships.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/fear-of-rejection-vs-fear-of-abandonment-how-to-tell-the-difference-and-heal-both Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/Join Abby's One Love Collective on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/abbymedcalf Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 17, 2025 • 37min
326. What Narcissists Do When Backed into a Corner: Lessons from Celebrities Who Lost Control
When narcissistic, controlling people feel backed into a corner, meaning they’re exposed, challenged, or losing control, they tend to react with a range of defensive, aggressive, or manipulative behaviors. Their reactions stem from a fragile ego, a deep-seated fear of losing power, and an inability to process shame or vulnerability in a healthy way. Some of the most high-profile examples of this play out with celebrities who have controlling or narcissistic tendencies and can’t handle being held accountable. We’re going to do something completely different today. I’m going to dive into three current and past celebrity cases: Ryan Reynolds’ role in the legal battle involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Bill Cosby’s downfall, and Kevin Spacey’s courtroom drama, to examine exactly what people with narcissistic tendencies do when they’re backed into a corner. More importantly, we’ll discuss what you can learn from these situations when dealing with narcissistic, manipulative people in your own life.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-narcissists-do-when-backed-into-a-corner-lessons-from-celebrities-who-lost-control Calibration Exercise: Create a Positive Vibration to Start Your Dayhttps://youtu.be/8wtDzbxzQIsJoin Abby's One Love Collective Community on Patreon!Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or the Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 10, 2025 • 47min
325. Seven Powerful Techniques to Breathe Yourself to Calm
It’s something you do about 20,000 times a day: breathing. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity. Breathing isn’t just about keeping you alive; it’s a powerful tool that influences your emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being. Whether you’re feeling scared, excited, worried, happy, or calm, your breath reflects it all. And here’s the best part: by learning to control your breath, you can actually take charge of your emotional state and calm your mind. Today you’ll learn about the science of breathing and how that’s connected to your emotions, and seven specific breathing techniques, including what’s appropriate for different mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma survivors. If you’ve had a hard time with breathing exercises before (or not), today’s episode will help your life.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/seven-powerful-techniques-to-breathe-yourself-to-calmGet my Free Quick-Reference Guide to these 7 Breath Techniques: https://abbymedcalf.com/breathing-techniquesGrab the Ultimate Breathing Techniques Bundle for just $8 and unlock powerful resources to help you improve your breathwork, reduce stress, and enhance your well-being. https://abbymedcalf.com/rme-325-bundle What's inside?· Free Quick-Reference Guide to these 7 Breath Techniques· If Breathing Techniques Feel Scary Journaling Prompts· Weekly Mindful Breathing Journal· List of Other Resources to Help you with your Breathing Education· Breathwork Tracker· Trauma-Informed Breathing Techniques and Resources· A script you can follow to create a calming breathing practice in your own voice· Allowing Your Breath Visualization recorded by meLearn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbookWant to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________Say hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
324. Emotional Triggers: Understanding Your Brain and How to Keep It in Check
Ever snap at your partner over something trivial, only to regret it later? Discover the fascinating world of emotional triggers and how they can escalate minor annoyances into major disputes. Learn about the brain's role in these reactions and explore mindfulness strategies to manage your responses. Hear about effective techniques for setting personal boundaries and maintaining emotional well-being. Plus, find out how personal accountability can lead to greater happiness in your relationships. It's all about taking control!