

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

Jul 13, 2021 • 20min
150. What to Do When You Can’t Stop Thinking About Something
Can’t stop obsessing about your ex or worrying about your bills? Or maybe you can’t stop beating yourself up over that “stupid” thing you said at work the other day? You’re not alone! Lots of us just can’t stop those negative thoughts! Luckily, there’s a research-backed way to stop ruminating called "self-distancing." Today I’m going to teach you all about self-distancing and my top 4 ways for putting it into practice. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-when-you-cant-stop-thinking-about-something/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-when-you-cant-stop-thinking-about-something-2/ ------------------------------ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly 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: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 6, 2021 • 27min
149. Negative Friends and Family: 5 Steps to Deal with Emotionally Draining People
Is your mom always pointing out how you should have done something better? Do you share good news with your brother but then he poops all over it? Do you have a friend who says, “Let me just play devil’s advocate for a second?” There are good points to these people, and you love them, but you leave conversations feeling drained, sad, frustrated or resentful. Today, I’m teaching you my five-step process to deal with negative friends and family so you can stop feeling emotionally drained and start feeling happier and more connected. Grab the FREE "I Feel Formula" right here (just scroll down and enter you name and email): https://abbymedcalf.com/negative-friends-and-family-5-steps-to-deal-with-emotionally-draining-people-2/ Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/negative-friends-and-family-5-steps-to-deal-with-emotionally-draining-people-2/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/negative-friends-and-family-5-steps-to-deal-with-emotionally-draining-people/ _______________________________________ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 29, 2021 • 42min
148. Is Porn Ok in Your Relationship?
Today I’m answering your top questions when it comes to porn in relationships: Is it an addiction? Is it cheating? What does the research say about it? What do you say about it, Abby? And how the heck do I deal with it, if it’s become an issue? I’m coming at you with all the answers today, so stay tuned! Grab my FREE Communication Tool Kit for Couples: https://abbymedcalfthriving.lpages.co/communication-crash-course/ Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/is-porn-ok-in-your-relationship/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/is-porn-ok-in-your-relationship-2/ ________________________________ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 22, 2021 • 47min
147. Your People Pleasing Might Be a Trauma Response!
I’m sure you’ve heard of the fight/flight/freeze response, but did you know that there’s also a fourth type of response called fawn, which is like people pleasing in hyper drive? Today I’m breaking down these 4 different conflict responses and then you’ll learn my 2-step process to start taking control of your emotional reactions today! Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit (scroll down): https://abbymedcalf.com/your-people-pleasing-might-be-a-trauma-response/ Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/your-people-pleasing-might-be-a-trauma-response/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/your-people-pleasing-might-be-a-trauma-response-2/ _________________________________ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 15, 2021 • 32min
146. Unhealed Trauma Might Be Ruining Your Relationship
When you hear the word "trauma" you might be thinking, “Well, that doesn’t apply to me. I’ve never been the victim of a violent crime or in a war.” But defining any psychological trauma can be hard because it’s such an individual experience. I’ve been working with people for over 35 years, and I can tell you that what traumatizes you, might not traumatize someone else. This is why you might not realize you’re dealing with unhealed trauma, because you or someone else might be minimizing your experience: “I’m over-reacting, that wasn’t a big deal” or “I grew up in the same house you did, and it didn’t bother me!” Today I’m going to cover the signs of unhealed trauma and how it might be ruining your relationship. ________________________________ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 15, 2021 • 32min
146. You Might Not Realize You're Suffering from Unhealed Trauma
When you hear the word "trauma" you might be thinking, “Well, that doesn’t apply to me. I’ve never been the victim of a violent crime or in a war.” But defining any psychological trauma can be hard because it’s such an individual experience. I’ve been working with people for over 35 years, and I can tell you that what traumatizes you, might not traumatize someone else. This is why you might not realize you’re dealing with unhealed trauma, because you or someone else might be minimizing your experience: “I’m over-reacting, that wasn’t a big deal” or “I grew up in the same house you did, and it didn’t bother me!” Today I’m going to cover the signs of unhealed trauma and how it might be ruining your relationship. Grab my FREE Grounding Exercises here (just scroll down to the bottom and enter your name/email): https://abbymedcalf.com/you-might-not-realize-youre-suffering-from-unhealed-trauma/ Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/you-might-not-realize-youre-suffering-from-unhealed-trauma/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/you-might-not-realize-youre-suffering-from-unhealed-trauma-2/ ________________________________ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 8, 2021 • 38min
145. How to Deal with Toxic Positivity in All Your Relationships
Do you feel pressure from your partner to be happy or “get over it” when you’re struggling? Does your best friend dismiss or minimize your difficult feelings? When you’re hurt, does your mom say, “You should be grateful” or “Look on the bright side?” You might be dealing with toxic positivity that leaves you feeling resentful, guilty or even ashamed but I’m here to help with my not-so-secret secret to turning these relationships around so you can feel heard and truly cared for. ----------------------------------- Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving FACEBOOK Subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Read the blog or sign up for the newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/blog/ Buy my book, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Take one of my courses: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 8, 2021 • 38min
145. How to Deal with Toxic Positivity in All Your Relationships
Do you feel pressure from your partner to be happy or “get over it” when you’re struggling? Does your best friend dismiss or minimize your difficult feelings? When you’re hurt, does your mom say, “You should be grateful” or “Look on the bright side?” You might be dealing with toxic positivity that leaves you feeling resentful, guilty or even ashamed but I’m here to help with my not-so-secret secret to turning these relationships around so you can feel heard and truly cared for. Mindfulness Starter Kit (scroll down and enter your nanme and email): https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-deal-with-toxic-positivity-in-all-your-relationships/ Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-deal-with-toxic-positivity-in-all-your-relationships/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-deal-with-toxic-positivity-in-all-your-relationships-2/ ----------------------------------- Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving FACEBOOK Subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Read the blog or sign up for the newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/blog/ Buy my book, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Take one of my courses: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 1, 2021 • 40min
144. One-Sided Friendships: The 5-Step Process to Loving or Leaving Them
Do you have a friend who you’re always there for but, when you’re in need, they ghost you or offer minimal energy or support? Basically, are you in a friendship where it’s always all about them? Maybe you’ve been friends for years and you just want things to be more equal. Or maybe you don’t want to be friends anymore but can’t figure out how to leave without all the drama. Either way, I’ve got you covered so stay tuned! Please rate and leave a review! Grab the "I Feel Formula" here (scroll down and enter your name/email): https://abbymedcalf.com/one-sided-friendships-the-5-step-process-to-loving-or-leaving-them/ Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/one-sided-friendships-the-5-step-process-to-loving-or-leaving-them/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/one-sided-friendships-the-5-step-process-to-loving-or-leaving-them-2/ ________________________________ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 25, 2021 • 45min
143. Is Your Relationship Worth Saving?
Have you been wrestling over The Clash’s epic line, “Should I stay or should I go?” Yes, this indecision is bugging you! The waffling back and forth, the feeling of uncertainty is the worst. You don’t want to regret -- you want to be 100% confident that breaking up (or staying) is the right decision. In my over 30 years of working with couples, I’ve identified a 5-step process you should be thinking about first if you’re wondering whether you should stay or go. Grab your FREE Figuring Out Your Committment Worksheet here (scroll down): https://abbymedcalf.com/is-your-relationship-worth-saving-2/ Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/is-your-relationship-worth-saving-2/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/is-your-relationship-worth-saving/ ______________________________ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving 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 Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving Clubhouse: @abbymedcalfphd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.