
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

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 19min
313. Entitlement in Relationships: How to Recognize It and Break the Cycle
Entitlement. It’s a word we toss around casually, usually about other people. (“Did you see how she cut the line? The entitlement!”) But here’s the thing: entitlement is sneakier than we think. It can show up in the most unexpected places, like our relationships, our workplaces, and even how we navigate society at large. Today you’ll get a clear picture of what entitlement is, why it happens, and (brace yourself) how it might be showing up in your own behavior. As always, I’ll give you great takeaway tips so you can recognize it in yourself and others and break those unhealthy cycles.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/entitlement-in-relationships-how-to-recognize-it-and-break-the-cycleGrab 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.comFor more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtubeReady 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.

Nov 26, 2024 • 49min
312. The Five Steps to Resolving Conflict in Any Relationship
Conflicts in any relationship are inevitable. Whether it's with a partner, friend, family member, or colleague, disagreements are going to happen as we all have different needs, perspectives, and boundaries. I’ve noticed that conflict avoidance has become a bigger and bigger problem since the pandemic, and I’m here to tell you: it’s quietly wrecking your mental health and eating away at the foundation of all your relationships. It’s time to see conflict as an opportunity, not a problem. It’s time to engage instead of running away. It’s time to be happier and more connected in all your relationships by learning the five steps to resolving conflict in any relationship. ____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-five-steps-to-resolving-conflict-in-any-relationship Grab my FREE List of Collaborative Questions: https://abbymedcalf.com/collabquesLearn 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.comFor more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtubeReady 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.

Nov 19, 2024 • 43min
311. Overcoming Self-Doubt: Five Steps to Confident Decision-Making
Self-doubt is that relentless voice in your head that questions your choices, your worth, and your abilities. It can make even the most straightforward decisions feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: self-doubt is a habit of thought. And, like all habits, you can break it. By understanding its roots and applying some research-backed strategies, you can absolutely become a confident decision-maker. Today, I’ll walk you through what science says about self-doubt, why it sticks around, and how to build the self-assurance you need to break the self-doubt habit. Stay tuned for my five steps to confident decision-making. ____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/overcoming-self-doubt-five-steps-to-confident-decision-making Get the Identify Your Values Quicksheet: https://abbymedcalf.com/values-quicksheet 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. 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/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.

Nov 12, 2024 • 34min
310. Radical Acceptance: 5 Steps to Embrace Reality for Lasting Peace
Radical acceptance is about fully acknowledging and accepting reality as it is, especially when it’s something we don’t like or want to change. This approach, popularized by Dr. Marsha Linehan as part of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), encourages us to embrace what we can’t control instead of resisting it. But radical acceptance isn’t easy. The idea challenges our instincts, often triggering discomfort and frustration, especially if we’re used to holding tightly to that illusion of being in control. Or, if you can’t get past that something isn’t right or fair. Today we’ll explore the origins of radical acceptance, why it’s so challenging, how you can incorporate this life-changing approach and, of course, my top tips for creating a life of resilience, peace, and healthier relationships.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/radical-acceptance-5-steps-to-embrace-reality-for-lasting-peaceGrab my Radical Acceptance Journal Prompts: https://abbymedcalf.com/radical-acceptance-journal-promptsLearn 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.

Nov 5, 2024 • 50min
309. How to Survive (and Enjoy!) the Holidays Without Losing Your Mind: 5 Steps for a Joyful Season
Ah, the holidays. A time of family, fun, and… overwhelm? If the thought of spending time with family or navigating the stress of the season makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone. But there’s good news! With a little planning and the right mindset, you can not only survive the holidays but actually enjoy them with my five steps for a joyful season.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-survive-and-enjoy-the-holidays-without-losing-your-mind-5-steps-for-a-joyful-season Grab 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/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. 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/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/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.

Oct 28, 2024 • 44min
308. How Childhood Neglect Impacts Your Adult Relationships and How to Heal: 3 Key Steps
Many of my clients have issues today that relate back to being neglected as kids, but they’ve never realized that what happened to them was neglect. They say things like, “I had a roof over my head and food,” “My mom was there when I got home from school,” or they’ll even tell me they had a happy childhood. Growing up with neglectful parents isn’t always easy to identify. If you felt unseen, unheard, or unimportant as a child, you may be living with the long-term effects of childhood neglect. And, guess what? There’s a huge body of research that backs up how neglect in childhood affects your adult relationships and your mental health. Today, we’ll break down what neglectful parenting looks like, how you may be carrying the scars into your adult relationships, how to deal currently with your neglectful parents and most importantly, how you can start healing.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-childhood-neglect-impacts-your-adult-relationships-and-how-to-heal-3-key-stepsGrab 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.

Oct 21, 2024 • 36min
307. What Is Compassion Fatigue? Signs, Causes, and 3 Powerful Tips to Overcome It
Think about your relationships: Do you find yourself always giving but rarely receiving support? Are you the one everyone relies on to solve problems, listen to their concerns, or offer emotional support? If yes, you might be headed toward compassion fatigue without even realizing it. Today you’ll learn what it is, why you might be suffering with it, and three powerful tips to overcome it so you can create balance and peace in your life.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-is-compassion-fatigue-signs-causes-and-3-powerful-tips-to-overcome-itGrab 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.comFor more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtubeReady 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.

Oct 14, 2024 • 39min
306. Can You Trust Again After Betrayal? Three Key Areas to Heal Any Relationship
While a partner cheating might seem like the most obvious betrayal in a relationship, there are actually many ways we can feel let down or deceived in different types of relationships. Maybe your mom didn’t tell you about your dad’s cancer until the very end. Or maybe your partner lied about money or their past. Or maybe you just found out that your so-called best friend has been telling everyone things you told them in confidence. Whether it’s cheating, lying, or being let down in another way, the big question is, “Can I ever trust this person again? Can this relationship be repaired?” The answer lies in three big areas, which we’ll talk about today, and by the end, you’ll be able to answer this question for yourself.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/can-you-trust-again-after-betrayal-three-key-areas-to-heal-any-relationshipGrab 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/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.

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 3min
305. How to Identify and Overcome Your Self-Limiting Beliefs
Simply put, self-limiting beliefs are negative thoughts and perceptions you have (either consciously or unconsciously) about yourself that get in the way of your goals and dreams. A belief is just a thought you’ve had over and over. So, to overcome your self-limiting beliefs, you need to have new thoughts that you think over and over. But how do you do it? Today, you’ll learn how to identify your self-limiting beliefs, the big mistake almost everyone makes when they’re trying to change, and how to shift these negative thoughts into helpful beliefs so you can create the love, success, growth, and joy you’ve been craving.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-identify-and-overcome-your-self-limiting-beliefs Grab my list of Journaling Prompts to Get Clear in Your Relationships: https://abbymedcalf.com/relationship-journal-prompts 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.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/youtubeReady 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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 50min
304. Three Holistic Approaches to Your Mental Health
Mental health issues come in all shapes and sizes, which means that mental health treatment needs to do the same. I’ve long been a fan of holistic approaches which take into account the treatment of the whole person, not just specific symptoms. Today, we’ll talk about three of my favorite approaches: biofeedback, yoga, and acupuncture. We’ll discuss how all three are excellent, proven approaches for mental health issues such as substance use disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression and whether these treatments are right for you. ____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/three-holistic-approaches-to-your-mental-healthGrab my FREE Meditation Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/meditation-starter-kitLearn 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.comFor more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtubeReady 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.