

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 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!

Feb 25, 2025 • 50min
323. Reclaiming Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Healing and Reparenting Yourself
If you've ever felt like something was missing in your emotional development, struggled with self-worth, or found yourself repeating unhealthy patterns in relationships, you might need reparenting. In this episode, we’re diving deep into what reparenting is, my top six signs that you need to work on this, and my two-step guide to making it happen. Today, you’ll walk away with a ton of actionable strategies to start reparenting yourself, because it’s never too late to give yourself the care and validation you deserve.____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/reclaiming-yourself-a-step-by-step-guide-to-self-healing-and-reparenting-yourself Grab The Feelings List: https://abbymedcalf.com/feelingslist Grab my Grounding Exercises: https://abbymedcalf.com/groundingGrab the Reparenting Yourself Bundle on Patreon! https://abbymedcalf.com/patreon-reparenting 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 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. 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/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.

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
322. How to Move Past the Dysfunction or Trauma of Unhealthy Parenting
Growing up in a dysfunctional or traumatic home can shape every part of your life: your sense of self, your relationships, your ability to trust, and even how you handle stress. If you’ve ever wondered why you struggle with setting boundaries, attract emotionally unavailable partners, or feel like you have to earn love, the roots lie in your upbringing. But here’s the thing: your past doesn’t have to equal your future. It equals your present. What you do now is what predicts your future. Understanding what happened, how it affects you, and how to move forward is the key to breaking free from dysfunctional patterns and creating a life filled with real connection, joy, and ease. Today, you’ll learn signs to look out for and my five steps to heal and move forward.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-move-past-the-dysfunction-or-trauma-of-unhealthy-parentingGrab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/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/boundariesWant 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.