

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

Oct 30, 2023 • 56min
261. What You Need to Know About Defense Mechanisms
Defense mechanisms are your brain’s (mostly unconscious) way of avoiding conflict, anxiety or upset. Although they get a bad rap, defense mechanisms are a necessary part of your psychology, and some are even considered healthy! Today, you’ll gain some self-awareness as you learn all about defense mechanisms and where you fit. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-defense-mechanisms Grab my FREE Grounding Exercises: https://abbymedcalf.com/grounding ____________________________ 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 YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 2023 • 42min
260. What to Do When You Can’t Get Through to Them
Do you have that person in your life who, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get through to them or get them to listen or engage in a healthy conversation about issues you’re experiencing in the relationship? You try to say how you’re feeling, but they flip it back on you and say, “What about my feelings?!” You get sad, but they get even more sad that you’re upset and now you’re taking care of them instead of them taking care of you?! These are all signs of a common defense mechanism called deflection. Today, I’m going to teach you all about deflection and my steps for finally connecting. __________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-when-you-cant-get-through-to-them Grab my FREE I Feel Formula: https://abbymedcalf.com/i-feel-formula ____________________________ 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 YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 16, 2023 • 46min
259. The Five Keys to Positive Communication
Positive communication is communication that’s based on respect and builds trust and collaboration. Although it’s something that’s mostly been applied to the workplace, its goal is to build a psychologically safe space, and that’s something we can use in all our relationships. In fact, the research shows that positive communication doesn’t just benefit the other person, it also promotes health and wellness benefits for you! Today, I’m sharing the five keys to positive communication so you can not only inspire and influence the people around you but continue to build your own growth and healing. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-five-keys-to-positive-communication Grab my FREE List of Collaborative Questions: https://abbymedcalf.com/collabques ____________________________ 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 YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 2023 • 53min
258. Getting the Sizzle and that Loving Feeling Back in Your Relationship
If you’re listening to me right now, you’ve felt some kind of decline in your relationship or, as the song goes, “you’ve lost that loving feeling.” Or maybe you just want to make sure that decline never happens to you. Either way, it’s important to know that you can absolutely continue to have a strong physical connection and fall more in love with your partner as the years progress. But how do you do it? Today, we’re going to discuss the research (as always), and then I’m coming at you with my top five tips for getting the sizzle and that loving feeling back in your relationship. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/getting-the-sizzle-and-that-loving-feeling-back-in-your-relationship Check out my YouTube Channel for actionable tips and tools to help you find more ease, joy, and happiness in your life and relationships! 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 YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2023 • 41min
257. What Patience Really is and How to Have More of It
Did you know that the opposite of patience isn’t impatience? I’ve got to tell you that I didn’t know that until I started researching this episode. Patience is actually on a continuum, with too much or too little, on either side of the spectrum, being unhealthy. The sweet spot is somewhere right in the middle. Having patience is correlated with all kinds of good stuff: the ability to work collaboratively, healthy and strong relationships, and achievement of goals. Today, you’ll learn about the three kinds of patience, why it’s good for you and my top five tips for having more of it. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-patience-really-is-and-how-to-have-more-of-it Learn to Meditate for 15 Minutes in Just 15 Days: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/learn-to-meditate-for-15-minutes-in-just-15-days ____________________________ 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 YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 25, 2023 • 55min
256. The Four Ways to Solve Any Problem
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy created by psychologist Marsha Linehan in the early 1980s. It’s an evidence-based, highly successful type of therapy used to help people regulate intense emotions and improve their relationships. What does this have to do with problem-solving? Well, in all its brilliance, DBT outlines four ways to solve any problem and I’ve been using this strategy with great success with all my clients. These four ways to solve any problem are easy to learn and integrate so you can start meeting challenges with clarity and calm. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-four-ways-to-solve-any-problem 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 YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 18, 2023 • 51min
255. Focus on Self-Love Not Just Self-Compassion
OK, when I hear the words self-love, I want to throw up in my mouth a little because I’m thinking of some Brené Brown quote needlepointed onto a pillow or a bunch of people in a drum circle chanting “I am worthy.” Today we’re taking self-love out of the woo and putting it directly into the real world of improving your physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Stay tuned as I discuss how it’s different from self-care, narcissism, and self-compassion and my top five tips for getting it right. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/focus-on-self-love-not-just-self-compassion Grab my FREE list of Journaling Prompts: https://abbymedcalf.com/journaling ____________________________ 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 YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 snips
Sep 11, 2023 • 55min
254. The Seven Habits of Intimate Relationships (backed by research)
Learn the importance of intimate relationships for mental and physical health. Explore attachment and interdependence in relationships, challenges in long-distance relationships, and the importance of setting boundaries. Discover how to maintain intimacy in long-term relationships and the significance of intimacy in relationships.

Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 1min
253. Focus on These Five Things to Make All Your Relationships Great
We know from the research that the biggest predictor of a happy (and long!) life comes down to the quality of your relationships. And, as much as we all want to focus on romance, there are many important relationships in your life that deserve your intention and attention. Today, I’m going to teach you the five philosophies to focus on to create fulfillment, peace, and joy in all your relationships. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/focus-on-these-five-things-to-make-all-your-relationships-great 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 YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 2023 • 48min
252. Instead of Date Nights, Work on Micro-Connections
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Great relationships aren’t built in a day. Great relationships are built daily. While date nights and vacations are wonderful, either we don’t do those often enough to keep emotional intimacy going, or there’s so much pressure to have fun and connect they can do the opposite. What’s the answer? Instead of focusing on date nights, focus on daily micro-connections to create real connection and closeness. Today, I’m sharing my top 10 micro-connection tips, so stay tuned! ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/instead-of-date-nights-work-on-micro-connections 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.