CALLING HOME with Whitney Goodman, LMFT

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

In this episode, Whitney Goodman reflects on the first anniversary of the Calling Home podcast and community. She emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating complex family relationships. The episode also addresses listener questions with a daughter who doesn't want her father to attend her wedding and an adult who wants to discuss her childhood memories with her siblings. There is also a special discount code in this episode for the Calling Home community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation, Whitney Goodman interviews Gabriel, also known as The Indomitable Black Man, about his journey to becoming a content creator who promotes respectful or gentle parenting. They discuss the challenges of being a black man in the gentle parenting space and the misconceptions surrounding discipline and abuse. Gabriel emphasizes teaching and guiding children through discipline rather than resorting to physical punishment. They also explore the long-term effects of abusive parenting on adults, including anxiety, depression, and difficulties with self-regulation. The conversation explores the impact of spanking and abuse, the importance of striving for more than 'fine' in parenting, the power imbalance between adults and children, the denial and accountability of parents, the cycle of bare minimum fatherhood, and breaking generational patterns.Takeaways Spanking and abuse can have long-term negative effects on children, leading to physical and mental health issues. Parents should strive for more than just 'fine' in their parenting, aiming to provide the best for their children and create a positive legacy. The power imbalance between adults and children should be recognized, and physical discipline should be replaced with effective communication and guidance. Parents need to acknowledge and take accountability for the trauma they may have caused their children, rather than denying or minimizing it. Fatherhood should go beyond the bare minimum of providing for children's basic needs, and fathers should actively lead, guide, and support their children. Breaking generational patterns and cycles of trauma is essential for creating healthier and more positive family dynamics. Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co.Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Ramani, a therapist and author specializing in narcissistic relationships, joins Whitney Goodman to explore the emotional turmoil of having narcissistic family members. They dive into how these dynamics can lead to feelings of guilt and shame in adult children, particularly exacerbated by social media pressures. The conversation covers essential coping strategies like setting boundaries, recognizing manipulation, and the significance of self-care. Listeners gain insight into differentiating between narcissistic behaviors and genuine parental love.

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on adult child and parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney compares the survey results of estranged parents and estranged adult children. She shares her thoughts about the survey results and dives deeper into what this survey has taught us about this issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Whitney shares the findings from a survey of 2382 estranged adult children. She offers a deep dive into why many distance themselves from their parents. The survey reveals common themes such as unresolved conflict, emotional or physical harm, and the lasting impact of difficult childhood experiences, where self-preservation sometimes means breaking away.What You Will Learn: [07:40] A breakdown of the findings from the 2382 estranged adult children survey [25:20] The responses and how they reflect and align with our experiences  [26:04] A preview of part 3 and what to look forward to  Standout Quotes: “If your parent harmed you or you continue to be harmed by them, you have a right to protect yourself in the same way you do in other harmful or abusive relationships.” [03:52] “Parent and adult children, if they choose to have contact, both have a responsibility to show up as respective civil adults.” [04:05] Let’s ConnectHave a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on Adult Child and Parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney discusses the findings from a survey of 204 estranged parents. You will hear how this group of parents feels about their estrangement from their adult child, what they're willing to do to fix the relationship, and if therapists and social media really are the cause of it all.The responses from these parents reflect experiences and stories that resonate deeply with many who have faced the pain of family separation. They share their emotional struggles, expressing feelings of loss, confusion, and helplessness as they try to understand why their adult children have distanced themselves. These shared experiences highlight broader patterns in family dynamics, showing that estrangement is a complex yet relatable issue that touches many lives. We can learn a lot from the parents who were willing to share their experiences for this episode.What You Will Learn: [09:14] About the survey and how Whitney collected the data  [14:50] A breakdown of the findings from the survey of 204 estranged parents  [39:32] The responses and how they reflect our experiences and stories  [40:54] What to expect and look forward to in Part 2 Standout Quotes: "Adult children have a lifetime of experience under their parent care; for a minimum of 18 years, the parent has power over them, and this power differential never completely goes away.” [03:13] “Parents should attempt to be strong, steady leaders even when their children are adults.” [03:35] “Adults are entitled to have and end relationships with whoever they want to have relationship with, parents and adult children both have this right in adulthood, no matter how painful that is.” [03:41] Let’s ConnectHave a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this conversation, Whitney Goodman answers two caller questions about the complexities of estrangement and the challenges of communicating with parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-protection, setting boundaries, and understanding the dynamics of parent-child relationships.Goodman also discusses the need for accountability and emotional intelligence in reconciliation efforts while acknowledging that not all relationships can or should be repaired. The conversation provides insights into how individuals can navigate their feelings and expectations when dealing with estrangement and communication with parents.Chapters00:00 Navigating Estrangement: Understanding the Need for Communication06:50 Setting Boundaries: The Importance of Self-Protection10:01 The Complexity of Parent-Child Relationships15:36 Protocols for Reconciliation: When to Seek HelpQuotes "I think we should always try to explain ourselves." "You have to be doing this because it's something that you want to do." "You don't have to forgive your parent." Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. Join The Calling Home Family Cyclebreakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at www.CallingHome.co.IG: @sitwithwhitTikTok: @whitneygoodmanlmft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Family estrangement and going no contact are deeply painful and complex experiences that impact both adult children and their parents. Often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, unmet emotional needs, or longstanding power dynamics, estrangement reflects a significant breakdown in communication and trust within the family. Adult children may choose to distance themselves as a means of self-preservation or to heal from past harm, while parents may struggle to understand or accept these boundaries. Navigating this estrangement requires compassion, reflection, and, often, the willingness to embrace change. Letting go of traditional power structures in parent-child relationships and learning to relate as equals can open the door to healing and, in some cases, reconciliation. However, when reconciliation is not possible, it’s important to acknowledge the grief of disconnection and focus on personal growth and emotional well-being. In this episode, we discuss adult-child relationships, family estrangement, and how to navigate these disconnections with a special guest, Patrick Teahan. Patrick is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), childhood trauma specialist, and advocate for the Relationship Recovery Process therapy model. As a survivor of childhood trauma, Patrick brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation to provide practical advice on letting go of power struggles, navigating grief when going no contact, and how both sides can work towards mutual understanding and growth. Join us as we unpack these sensitive issues and explore pathways toward healing!What You Will Learn: [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s show with Patrick Teahan [02:39] Patrick’s experience in the parent and adult-child relationship space [07:39] The disconnect and what is happening in the parent-adult-child relationships [09:28] What trauma and abuse is and parental defense shame [14:05] How to fix relationships with estranged children [19:53] Relating as equals and how parent-children relationships change over time  [26:22] Working on yourself and accepting your parent for who they are [30:11] How to navigate the grief of going no contact  [35:54] The healing side of lack of connectivity and feeling estranged  [38:24] How to reach out and connect with Patrick  [39:16] Wrap up and end of the show Standout Quotes: “Abuse is anything that is less than nurture.” [09:37] “When a parent is self-righteous, it’s a sign of being massively triggered; you can’t teach someone who is defensive and triggered about human development.” [12:13] “You’re not going to die if you’re faulted; you’re not a bad person; what is going to fix the relationship with your children is to be open and admit some things were wrong.” [14:22] Let’s ConnectPatrick Teahan Website: https://www.patrickteahantherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickteahanofficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickteahanofficialCalling Home PodcastHave a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Surviving family holidays can be difficult when you are estranged or have unresolved tensions with your family. Holidays and events can bring deep-seated conflicts to the surface. The pressure to maintain peace can be overwhelming, especially when you're masking feelings of distrust and hurt. Navigating these relationships requires setting firm boundaries while managing the expectations of family members.In this Q&A episode, Whitney answers real questions from callers who are having difficulties with their moms and siblings. She provides insights on how to handle estranged relationships, the strain of pretending everything is fine, and the emotional toll of unresolved conflicts. Whitney also offers strategies for maintaining peace during holidays or events, setting boundaries, and managing the pressure to keep everyone happy. What You Will Learn: [00:01] Intro and what you will learn [00:29] How to handle dysfunction and pretending among family members  [04:56] How to navigate family events and holidays when estranged  [07:09] Calling Home resources for building new traditions [07:56] Prioritizing your own needs when you're with family Standout Quotes: “Pretending is so hard; pretending that everything is fine when it isn't or your trust or boundary was violated is so really difficult.” [01:41] “Stop trying to make your family be what it was or what you wish it would be, instead find a way to cope and enjoy what you can in the moment.” [07:31] Let’s ConnectHave a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices