
CALLING HOME with Whitney Goodman, LMFT
Whitney Goodman is a licensed marriage and family therapist and author on a mission to help adult family members have better relationships. Each week, Whitney has conversations with influential guests and real people to help listeners find new ways of looking at old family problems.Calling Home is available every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts.
Latest episodes

Dec 10, 2024 • 43min
No Thanks, Santa: How to Handle Unwanted Gifts and Set Boundaries
In this episode, Whitney Goodman explores the complexities of gift-giving and receiving during the holiday season. She discusses the emotional weight of gifts, the pressures of navigating family dynamics, and the impact of estrangement on these interactions. Whitney provides actionable tips for setting boundaries and understanding the deeper meanings behind gifts, especially in dysfunctional family settings. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and self-awareness in managing expectations and emotions around gift-giving.Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 5, 2024 • 28min
Q&A: Estrangement During The Holidays and Accepting Your Parents
In this episode, Whitney Goodman addresses the complexities of family estrangement during the holiday season. She discusses the emotional challenges faced by individuals who are estranged from their families, particularly during a time that emphasizes togetherness. Whitney provides insights on coping strategies, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-acceptance. She also emphasizes that individuals are not defined by their family dynamics.Join Whitney and other family cyclebreakers this month at Calling Home: https://callinghome.co/topics/families-and-the-holiday-season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 3, 2024 • 37min
Reparenting Yourself While Parenting Your Children
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Nov 26, 2024 • 26min
Listen To This Before Thanksgiving
Have you ever found yourself dreading the holidays because of family dynamics? In this episode, Whitney discusses dysfunctional family relationships during the holidays, the expectations we carry, and how to approach these situations in healthier ways. You will learn how to accept your family, set boundaries, and actually enjoy your holiday. We recommend listening to this before Thanksgiving dinner with your family.Our New December topic at Calling Home is Holidays and Family Relationships. You can join The Family Cyclebreakers Club here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 21, 2024 • 35min
Q&A: My Parents Are Politicians
In this episode, Whitney answers two caller questions. Caller 1 is dealing with cultural pressures to care for her gaining parents. Caller 2 has parents who are politicians with beliefs that differ from her own.You can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here.To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19, 2024 • 21min
How To Balance The Needs Of Your In-Laws, Your Parents, and Your Own Family
Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family can be challenging, especially when merging families with different backgrounds and expectations. In this episode, Whitney discusses why open communication, clear boundaries, and empathy are key to maintaining balance. ITakeaways
Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family requires open communication and clear boundaries.
Prioritize your immediate family while considering the needs of your extended family.
Compromise and individual relationships with in-laws and parents can help navigate conflicts.
Consider setting boundaries or distancing yourself in cases of abuse or harm
Timeline03:58: Negotiating Contrasting Dynamics and Tensions06:18: Standing Up to Traditions and Family Norms08:20: The Importance of Open Communication and Clear Boundaries11:04: Deciding the Role of Your Extended Family16:26: Seeking Professional Support and Setting BoundariesConnectYou can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here.To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 14, 2024 • 43min
Q&A: My Mom Didn't Protect Me From My Dad
In this episode, Whitney speaks with two callers. She explores the complexities of parent-child relationships, emotional neglect, parentification, and the challenges of navigating relationships with disabled parents. She discusses the emotional struggles faced by children of abusive parents, the responsibilities of parents to protect their children, and the nuanced perspectives of both victims and perpetrators within family systems. Additionally, Whitney addresses the impact of family businesses on emotional connections and the anxiety that can arise from financial responsibilities placed on children.You can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here.To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 12, 2024 • 36min
My Family and I Don't Agree Politically, Should I Cut Them Off?
In the wake of this election, many Americans wonder: Can I continue to have a relationship with family members who disagree with me politically? In this episode, Whitney walks you through her own journey in a large family with different political beliefs and provides you with a series of questions to explore. This episode will help you decide what is the right decision for you in your unique situation.You can join Whitney for weekly groups and content at Calling Home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 31, 2024 • 18min
Q&A: You Don't Have An In-Law Problem, You Have A Partner Problem
In this discussion, Whitney tackles the tricky dynamics of in-law relationships and how they can influence marital harmony. She reveals the lasting impact of critical parenting on self-esteem and self-love, stressing the importance of self-compassion on the path to healing. The conversation dives deep into the nuances of childhood trauma and encourages listeners to embrace their experiences while striving for personal growth. It’s a heartfelt exploration of love, boundaries, and the journey toward self-acceptance.

Oct 29, 2024 • 52min
Toxic Mother-In-Law Or Brainwashing Daughter In-Law? with Janelle Marie
I invited Janelle (@heyjanellemarie) from TikTok to the podcast this week. I have watched every single one of her toxic mother-in-law videos, and I've been dying to speak with her.In this episode, Janelle discusses the challenges of navigating relationships with mothers-in-law and the impact it has on marriages. She shares her personal experiences and observations as a content creator on this topic. Our conversation explores common complaints from daughter-in-laws, such as postpartum issues and misalignment in marriages. Janelle also addresses the role of partners in managing these relationships and the cultural differences that can contribute to conflicts. The discussion highlights the need for boundaries and open communication to maintain healthy relationships with in-laws. We explore the challenges and dynamics of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, the shift in roles and expectations when a woman becomes a wife and mother, and how this can strain the relationship with her mother-in-law. Mothers-in-law, you can learn a lot from this episode (you, too, sons). And Daughters-in-law, I think this episode will leave you feeling heard, understood, and a little bit less crazy.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background10:19 Common Complaints from Daughter-in-Laws25:08 Challenging Reconciliation30:57 Setting Boundaries for Children44:12 Surrounding Yourself with Honest Feedback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices