

Relationships Made Easy
Dr. Abby Medcalf
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 10, 2023 • 45min
235. Self-Sabotage: What it Is and How to Stop Doing It
You say you’re going to start waking up earlier to have a healthier start to your day, but then you stay up all night binging Wednesday on Netflix and sleep through your alarm. You’re finally in a great relationship, but you keep finding fault with your partner. You say you want to go to graduate school, but you keep missing the deadlines for application. Self-sabotaging behavior can strike anywhere in our lives, leaving us feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, depressed and anxious. Today we’re talking about what self-sabotage is and two concrete ways to go from self-defeating to self-winning. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/self-sabotage-what-it-is-and-how-to-stop-doing-it Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/ Enjoying the Relationships Made Easy podcast? Please leave a review! This helps more people find us and helps the podcast grow. Head on over to wherever you listen to the podcast, and write a review! ____________________________ 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 every single episode. 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 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/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ 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/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbymedcalfphd/ YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 2023 • 49min
234. Are you Trauma Bonding in Your Relationships and Don’t Realize it?
Trauma bonding was identified over 40 years ago, but it’s easy to dismiss if you don’t think you’ve ever had trauma. Are you experiencing trauma bonding but don’t realize it? Do you have repeating unhealthy patterns, miscommunications, or consistent frustration or dissatisfaction with your partner? Today I’ll teach you the seven stages of trauma bonding and how to know if this applies to you so you can create more peace and ease in your relationships. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/are-you-trauma-bonding-in-your-relationships-and-dont-realize-it 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 every single episode. 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/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ 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/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbymedcalfphd/ YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 6min
233. Five Things to Do When You Feel Like You’re Being Criticized
Whether you call it criticism or judgment, this kind of feedback never feels good. But what do you do when you’re dealing with someone who always seems to be belittling, condemning, or finding fault with everything you say or do? When the feedback feels harsh or disapproving, how do you say something without sounding defensive? Today you’ll learn why people are critical and my top five strategies to gain peace and boundaries in the face of criticism and judgment. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/five-things-to-do-when-you-feel-like-youre-being-criticized Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/ Enjoying the Relationships Made Easy podcast? Please leave a review! This helps more people find us and helps the podcast grow. Head on over to wherever you listen to the podcast, and write a review! ____________________________ 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 every single episode. 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 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/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ 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/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbymedcalfphd/ YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 20, 2023 • 53min
232. When They Keep Bringing up the Past and Won’t Let it Go
We’ve all been there. You’ve been working on yourself and acting in a more healthy way with your partner, parent, or friend. But then you slip up, even a little, and suddenly they’re reminding you of that thing you did five years ago that hurt them. WTF?! Are they always going to throw your past behavior in your face no matter how many changes you’ve made? Are you feeling frustrated because you’re trying so hard in the present to be healthy, but they just won’t let the past go? I’m here to help! Today you’re going to learn why people have a hard time letting go and my top five tips to stop living in past hurts and start building healthy relationships now. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/when-they-keep-bringing-up-the-past-and-wont-let-it-go Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/ 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 every single episode. 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/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ 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/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbymedcalfphd/ YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 13, 2023 • 57min
231 The Five Steps to Effective Negotiation in All Your Relationships
Negotiating in relationships can be tough. When we’re trying to find common ground, but we’ve got different points of view, there’s a feeling of competition which means there’s an underlying winning and losing mentality going on. With this mindset, each person walks away feeling like they gave up more than they wanted, which leads to disconnection, resentment, and frustration. But today, we’re going to change all that because you’re going to learn my five steps to effective negotiation in all your relationships so you can both walk away feeling connected, supported, and heard. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-five-steps-to-effective-negotiation-in-all-your-relationships Grab my FREE list of Collaborative Questions: https://abbymedcalf.com/collabques Enjoying the Relationships Made Easy podcast? Please leave a review! This helps more people find us and helps the podcast grow! ____________________________ 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, where you’ll find every single episode. 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/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ 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/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbymedcalfphd/ YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 7, 2023 • 40min
230. Managing Different Spiritual Beliefs in Your Relationship
Spirituality in a relationship isn’t just about whether you go to temple, church, or mosque together. What we believe (or don’t) either religiously or spiritually touches everything from how we spend our time and money to how we raise our children and even what friendships we keep. Today I’m going to talk about the common mistakes couples make when there are different religions or spiritual beliefs (and I made every one of these mistakes myself, by the way), my top three action tips, and I’ve got an amazing free exercise to help you find that common ground and peace. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/managing-different-spiritual-beliefs-in-your-relationship Grab my FREE Family Crest Exercise: https://abbymedcalf.com/familycrest Enjoying the Relationships Made Easy podcast? Please leave a review! This helps more people find us and helps the podcast grow! Just open Apple Podcast, search for our podcast, scroll down and tap on “Write a Review”! Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast, where you’ll find every single episode. 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 ____________________________ 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/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ 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/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbymedcalfphd/ YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
229. Are You Being Manipulated? Learn the Signs and How to Stop It
Every relationship has some form of manipulation. Unless you’re the most self-actualized being in the Universe (and I think you’d be off floating on a cloud somewhere and not listening to me right now), you are sometimes manipulative and sometimes on the receiving end of manipulation. Today, we’re going to talk about the subtle signs as well as the big warning flags. Then we’ll talk about why people manipulate, why you put up with it, and how to make it stop. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/are-you-being-manipulated-learn-the-signs-and-how-to-stop-it 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/ ____________________________ 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, where you’ll find every single episode. For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ 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/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbymedcalfphd/ YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 21, 2023 • 54min
228. Do Opposites Attract? What to Do When You and Your Partner Seem Like Opposites
They’re messy, and you’re neat. They’re a saver, and you’re a spender. They’re a free spirit, and you like things to run on a schedule. You’re a homebody, but your partner always wants to be out with people. The idea that opposites attract has been around for centuries, but is it true? And, whether it’s true or not, how the hell can you find a way to happily coexist with someone when there are so many places you don’t align? Today I’m answering all those questions and teaching you my three-step process for getting out of the feeling of being opposites and back to those feelings of attraction, so stay tuned! ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/do-opposites-attract-what-to-do-when-you-and-your-partner-seem-like-opposites Grab my FREE Couples Business Meeting Checklist: https://abbymedcalf.com/couples-meeting-checklist 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/ ____________________________ 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, where you’ll find every single episode. For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ 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/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abbymedcalfphd/ YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 14, 2023 • 49min
227. The Secrets to Effectively Dealing with Stress and Anxiety: Part Two
Explore essential techniques to manage anxiety and stress effectively. Learn the distinct psychological responses and the importance of professional diagnosis. Discover grounding methods, like sensory engagement and breathing exercises, to enhance emotional well-being. Understand the differences between mental health specialists and the necessity of ongoing therapeutic support. With a touch of humor, practical advice includes high-energy cardio as a tool for stress relief, fostering a more joyful life.

Feb 7, 2023 • 39min
226. The Secrets to Effectively Dealing with Stress and Anxiety: Part One
Discover the crucial differences between stress and anxiety and learn how what eases one can amplify the other. Explore seven actionable strategies to tackle stress effectively. Delve into the importance of daily meditation, relaxation, and quality sleep for better mental health. Emphasize positive thinking to reshape negative beliefs and foster mutual support in relationships. Also, learn about the power of mindfulness, exercise, and social connections in enhancing emotional well-being.