Dear Dr. Tracy

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish and Greg dig into something that quietly impacts a lot of couples: friendships and independence, especially male friendships in midlife and parenting seasons. They talk honestly about why it can feel so hard for men to maintain friendships, why guilt shows up when one partner tries to take time away, and how “defaulting to the kids” can become a relationship pattern that slowly drains both partners.They also unpack the tension many couples live inside of: the mental load is real, the resentment is real, and so is the cost when either partner loses their autonomy. Dr. Tracy shares real-life examples (hello, postpartum golf day) and offers a more nuanced lens: you can support your partner, prioritize your family, and still protect the parts of you that make you you. LINKS FROM EPISODE ⁠Hello Fresh: a free ZWILLING knife (a $145 value on your third box).Visit: ⁠hellofresh.com/tracy10fm⁠ 100 Questions to Deepen Your Connection https://stan.store/drtracyd/p/get-my-templateebookcourse-now-v1ke3 RESOURCES Get Relationship Support ⁠Inside ⁠Be Connected⁠⁠ Order my new book! ⁠⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠⁠ Want your questions answered on the show?⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠   ⁠  Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection?⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. ⁠Join the⁠ ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW DR. TRACY Subscribe to the podcast⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drtracyd⁠⁠Follow on Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd⁠⁠Follow on Facebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyD/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this short “From the Couch” episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish answers a question many couples know by heart: “Are you mad at me?” Inspired by a comment on a recent reel with Greg, Dr. Tracy explores why this question shows up so often and why it’s rarely about the moment and more about older wiring, nervous system threat, and the stories we learned to tell ourselves in childhood.Using a simple yarn analogy, she explains how our brains build repeated patterns (“neurons that wire together, fire together”) and how partnership can become the place where we gently rewire those patterns with secure connection. Dr. Tracy offers three practical, compassionate prompts to respond in a way that lowers defensiveness, increases emotional safety, and helps your partner share what they feel and need, not just what they fear. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Instagram Reel HERE Be Connected Relationship Support HERE RESOURCES: Order my new book! ⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠ Want your questions answered on the show?⁠ ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection?⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the⁠ ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW DR. TRACY Subscribe to the podcast⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@drtracyd⁠ Follow on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd⁠ Follow on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyD/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with Katie Wells, host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast and a leading voice in decluttering, to talk about what really keeps families stuck in overwhelm.Katie shares the emotional moment that changed how she saw clutter, why traditional “do more, try harder” organizing advice often fails, and the four types of clutter that require different tools. Together, they unpack the guilt that shows up around gifts, sentimental items, and identity-based clutter, plus how clutter can amplify mental load and stress at home.Katie also offers two practical starting points you can implement right away, including a “permanent donation station” and a simple daily clutter-audit habit. Her new book, Making Home Your Happy Place, is available to order now. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Grab Katy's New Book: Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real-Life Guide to Decluttering Without the OverwhelmVisit: https://amzn.to/4pGfkALHello Fresh: a free ZWILLING knife (a $145 value on your third box).Visit: hellofresh.com/tracy10fmNative Path Collagen Peptides: One clean ingredient, third-party tested.Visit: getnativepath.com/tracy Get Relationship Support ⁠Inside Be Connected⁠ Order my new book! ⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠ Want your questions answered on the show?⁠ ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection?⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the⁠ ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW DR. TRACY Subscribe to the podcast⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@drtracyd⁠Follow on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd⁠Follow on Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyD/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this From the Couch episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores why apologies often don’t land in relationships and what keeps couples feeling stuck even after saying “I’m sorry.” She explains how performative apologies, over-focusing on intent, and rushing forgiveness can minimize hurt and block true repair. Drawing from clinical experience, Dr. Tracy breaks down the role of impact, accountability, and emotional presence in meaningful apologies. LINKS FROM EPISODE: After the Fight: How to Repair Workshop Here RESOURCES: Get Relationship Support Inside Be Connected Order my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ FOLLOW DR. TRACY Subscribe to the podcast https://www.youtube.com/@drtracyd Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyD/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish and her husband Greg explore why accountability is so difficult in relationships and how blame quietly breaks connection. They unpack the difference between intent and impact, why apologies often fall flat, and how defensiveness shows up even when partners mean well. Through real-life examples and practical language, Dr. Tracy explains what true accountability sounds like, how it supports repair, and why it creates emotional safety and closeness. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Your Weekly Intention Get support for under $2  After the Fight: How to Repair Workshop Here Free Scripts for Bad Apologies RESOURCES: Get Relationship Support Inside Be Connected Order my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ FOLLOW DR. TRACY Subscribe to the podcast https://www.youtube.com/@drtracyd Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyD/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This In-Case-You-Missed-It-Episode and a must-listen-to episode. Coming to you from Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Tracy reunites in person with her dear friend Dr. Tanya Cotler, a clinical psychologist specializing in maternal mental health and child-parent attachment. Dr. Tracy kicks off the episode by sharing a recent personal experience of a body memory—a sudden, unexplained emotional outburst she later linked to her childhood. This episode dives deep into the concept of body memories—emotions stored physically that our brains may not recall cognitively—and the importance of addressing intergenerational trauma. They discuss how modern parenting is shifting towards acknowledging and processing these traumas to prevent passing them on to the next generation. The conversation also explores the nervous system's role in safety and emotional responses, mindfulness practices, attachment theory, the influence of social media on our understanding of attachment styles, and so much more. You don’t want to miss this one!  Be sure to follow Dr. Tanya on ⁠Instagram⁠ and visit her ⁠website⁠  RESOURCES: Free Annual Relationship Check-In - Apple Users⁠https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/be-connected-relationships/id6749022241⁠ Free Annual Relationship Check-In - Google Play Users⁠https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kj134873.app Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LINKS: ⁠⁠⁠HelloFresh:⁠⁠⁠ Get 10 Free Meals ⁠⁠⁠hellofresh.com/TRACY10FM⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠NativePath:⁠⁠⁠ Special Bundle deal at ⁠⁠⁠getnativepath.com/Tracy⁠⁠⁠ Rula: Get the support you need with ⁠⁠⁠rula.com/Tracy⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠KiwiCo:⁠⁠⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY ⁠⁠⁠KiwiCo.Com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Vionic Shoes⁠⁠⁠⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish invites listeners into the real emotional landscape of the holidays, far beyond picture perfect family photos. She shares five powerful reflections to help couples and parents move through holiday stress with more connection, less pressure, and a lot more self compassion. Drawing from her experience as a highly sensitive person and a mom to a highly sensitive child, Dr. Tracy explores what it means to hold big feelings on Christmas morning, respond to disappointment without shame, and let go of the belief that kids must always be grateful and happy to make the day a success. She also unpacks how resentment shows up between partners around traditions, mental load, and invisible work, and why communicating expectations before the holiday is essential for staying on the same team. Book #1https://drtracyd.com/i-didn-t-sign-up-for-thisBook #2https://drtracyd.com/you-your-husband-and-his-mother Challenge Your Assumptionshttps://drtracyd.mykajabi.com/assumption 30 Days to Us Challengehttps://drtracyd.mykajabi.com/offers/B2s9epue/checkout RESOURCES: Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠⁠ LINKS: ⁠⁠HelloFresh:⁠⁠ Get 10 Free Meals ⁠⁠hellofresh.com/TRACY10FM⁠⁠ ⁠⁠NativePath:⁠⁠ Special Bundle deal at ⁠⁠getnativepath.com/Tracy⁠⁠ Rula: Get the support you need with ⁠⁠rula.com/Tracy⁠⁠ ⁠⁠KiwiCo:⁠⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY ⁠⁠KiwiCo.Com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Vionic Shoes⁠⁠⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the year winds down, many couples reflect on work, finances, and goals—but often forget to reflect on their relationship. In this episode, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish shares why an end-of-year relationship check-in is one of the most powerful tools couples can use to move out of autopilot and into intention. This conversation isn’t about fixing, blaming, or problem-solving. It’s about pausing, listening, and creating shared meaning. Drawing on relationship research and the Gottmans’ work on connection, Dr. Tracy explains how intentional reflection helps couples break reactive patterns and feel more secure and aligned. She offers one deceptively simple but deeply impactful question to ask your partner—and guidance on how to listen without defensiveness. This episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, reconnect, and intentionally shape the year ahead together. Free Annual Relationship Check-In - Apple Usershttps://apps.apple.com/ca/app/be-connected-relationships/id6749022241Free Annual Relationship Check-In - Google Play Usershttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kj134873.appFree Relationship Quizhttps://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/5f4b84f59cc5d6001429f108 RESOURCES: Order my new book! ⁠⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠⁠ LINKS: ⁠⁠HelloFresh:⁠⁠ Get 10 Free Meals ⁠⁠hellofresh.com/TRACY10FM⁠⁠ ⁠⁠NativePath:⁠⁠ Special Bundle deal at ⁠⁠getnativepath.com/Tracy⁠⁠ Rula: Get the support you need with ⁠⁠rula.com/Tracy⁠⁠ ⁠⁠KiwiCo:⁠⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY ⁠⁠KiwiCo.Com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Vionic Shoes⁠⁠⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Tracy Dalgleish answers listener questions on caregiving burnout when a partner has chronic health issues, using Spoon Theory to protect the relationship without losing yourself. She shares practical scripts for rebalancing roles during flare-ups, nervous system regulation tools, and ways to support kids with honesty, predictability, and emotional safety. The episode also covers how to stay connected to a younger sister in an emotionally abusive relationship while avoiding the drama triangle, plus navigating “low effort” in-laws who show love through gifts. Finally, Dr. Tracy offers guidance on estate planning conflict, resentment, boundaries, and staying united as a couple, and how to support a partner with emotionally neglectful parents while protecting your children. RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE: Submit a Question for the Podcasthttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKBYWwVsUAAwh31qEJmKK6iSQ7b0tKF3UD7fMcTufSEPVGqw/viewformCouples IntensiveInner Calm Workshop inside Be Connectedhttps://drtracyd.com/be-connected10 Rules for Hard Conversationshttps://drtracyd.mykajabi.com/ten RESOURCES: Order my new book! ⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection?⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠ LINKS: ⁠HelloFresh:⁠ Get 10 Free Meals ⁠hellofresh.com/TRACY10FM⁠ ⁠NativePath:⁠ Special Bundle deal at ⁠getnativepath.com/Tracy⁠ Rula: Get the support you need with ⁠rula.com/Tracy⁠ ⁠KiwiCo:⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY ⁠KiwiCo.Com⁠ ⁠⁠Vionic Shoes⁠⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this From The Couch episode, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish unpacks a painful but common experience many couples face in in law relationships: The moment when a partner seems to disappear emotionally after stepping into their family of origin, leaving the other partner feeling alone, unprotected, or disconnected. Dr. Tracy explains why this shift happens, drawing on family roles, nervous system responses, and inner child patterns that resurface in familiar environments. She clarifies why this is not about choosing parents over a partner, but about old survival strategies taking over without awareness. The real wound, she explains, is not just in law behavior, but the loss of the couple bond in these moments. This episode reframes the goal from setting perfect boundaries to learning how to stay connected as a team. Listeners will hear practical questions and small, grounding strategies couples can use to protect their relationship while navigating difficult family dynamics. IN THIS EPISODE: Get immediate support for your relationship: Join Be Connected Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCES: Order my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: HelloFresh:⁠ Get 10 Free Meals ⁠hellofresh.com/TRACY10FM⁠ ⁠NativePath:⁠ Special Bundle deal at ⁠getnativepath.com/Tracy⁠ Rula: Get the support you need with ⁠rula.com/Tracy KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices