

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

May 29, 2023 • 59min
242. Six Habits to Make All Your Relationships Successful
We all want to have connected, happy and fulfilling relationships with the important people in our lives. The problem is that we often feel frustrated, resentful, and annoyed with those very same people! How do we get from irritated to connected? Today I’m teaching you the six habits to make all your relationships successful. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/six-habits-to-make-all-your-relationships-successful Grab my FREE list of Collaborative Questions: https://abbymedcalf.com/collabques Have you subscribed to my YouTube Channel yet? I’ve got tons of videos full of actionable tips and tools so you can have some quick wins and find more ease, joy, and happiness in your life and in all your relationships! https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube ___________________________ 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 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.

May 22, 2023 • 56min
241. The Key to Letting Go of Resentment
Someone has done you wrong and you can’t let it go. You’ve tried to breathe, meditate, or find closure, but nothing seems to work long-term. Maybe you even have moments of relief, but before long, you’re back to bitter thoughts of this person or situation taking up prime real estate in your mind. If left unchecked, resentment will poison your life and happiness. But what to do? Today I’m teaching you how you’ve been approaching resentment all wrong and the one evidence-based way to get it right. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-key-to-letting-go-of-resentment Listen to my Loving Kindness Guided Meditation to develop feelings of acceptance, compassion, love, and kindness towards yourself and other people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzP24O1O7lE Enjoying the Relationships Made Easy podcast? Please leave a review! This helps more people find us and helps the podcast grow, so scroll down 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.

May 15, 2023 • 36min
240. What to Do When Your Partner Changes the Rules of Your Relationship
How do you get past your partner changing the rules of your relationship? Maybe they quit smoking when you first got together but then started again two years in. Maybe they gained weight and no longer care about a healthier lifestyle. Maybe you’ve had kids, and now they don’t want to have sex as often, or they promised to be a stay-at-home mom and now want to go back to work? What do you do when your partner is doing something now that would have been a deal breaker before you moved in together or got married, so now you feel stuck? If this is you, you’re in the right place because we’re about to go deep about what this all really means. ____________________________ Show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-when-your-partner-changes-the-rules-of-your-relationship ____________________________ 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.

May 8, 2023 • 1h 10min
239. What to Do if You're a Control Freak
Learn the difference between being controlling and being in control, explore the negative consequences of control issues in relationships, and discover tips for finding inner peace and security. Delve into the difference between love and fear as triggers for control behavior and explore relaxation techniques for alleviating stress. Consider the idea of featuring a separate podcast or bonus episodes discussing parenting and relationships with the speaker's child.

May 1, 2023 • 58min
238. How to Deal with Controlling People
Controlling people can show up anywhere in your life: romance, friendships, work, or your good old dad. Sometimes these people are well-meaning, but it’s driving you crazy! They’re always telling you what to do, and there are two ways of doing things: their way and the wrong way. They say they’re “just trying to be helpful,” but you often walk away feeling resentful, frustrated, drained, or even depressed. Today we’re going to turn that around! In this episode, you’ll learn the six main categories of controlling behaviors and my top tools for dealing with each one. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-deal-with-controlling-people Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/ Want more quick, actionable tips so you can create connection, joy and ease in all your relationships? Subscribe to my YouTube Channel! https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube ____________________________ 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/ 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 24, 2023 • 55min
237. Should You Be Journaling?
Back in the day, I thought journaling was either for those crunchy granola types or people wanting to grab a teddy bear and find their inner child, so it was something I decided early on wasn’t for me. But, like many things in life, I couldn’t have been more wrong! The research has shown that journaling can reduce depression, anxiety, and negative thoughts while also boosting your immune system and physical health! And it’s the cheapest form of therapy you’ll find! I’ve become a convert, and I want to indoctrinate you too! Today, I’m going to teach you why you should be journaling and how to do it effectively. ______________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/should-you-be-journaling Grab my FREE Journaling Prompts: https://abbymedcalf.com/journaling 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 and corresponding blog posts. 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 17, 2023 • 58min
236. Five ways to cultivate self-love
I’ve spoken previously about self-acceptance and self-esteem, and today we’re going to go deep on self-love. We’ll talk about the differences between these three terms (and how they relate), and then you’ll learn my top five ways to cultivate self-love so you can start having the relationships and life you so richly deserve. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/five-ways-to-cultivate-self-love 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 and the corresponding blog posts. ____________________________ 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 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.