Dear Dr. Tracy

This week, Dr. Tracy sits down with her husband Greg to discuss what it means to fight fair. Whether it’s in your relationship or with a friend, they are breaking down the 8 practices that will help you navigate those frustrating disagreements that we find ourselves in when we feel overwhelmed. Together, they discuss the common build ups that can happen when one person isn’t clearly communicating their feelings and the importance of acknowledging each others frustrations. They expand on each of the 8 practices including sticking to one issue at a time, giving the most generous interpretation, avoid bringing up the past, and more.  Lastly, they dive into your personal questions surrounding what it means to fight fair and offer valuable advice to help you shift your mindset and navigate those challenging moments.  You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here! Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Tracy is sitting down with her editor at PESI Publishing for a behind-the-scenes look into the making of her new book, "I Didn't Sign Up for This." In this intimate conversation, Dr. Tracy shares the origin story of her book and her observation of the common experiences we all often face in relationships yet we don’t talk about openly. Recognizing that people often learn best from stories rather than just tips and tricks, she wanted to create something that was accessible at home and incorporated realistic, everyday stories such as the fights with our partners, the stressors of cohabitation, co-parenting, blending families, and even retirement. Dr. Tracy also opens up about her decision to incorporate her own experiences into the book, drawing from her own marriage. She explains what led her to choose the title "I Didn't Sign Up for This" and how she maintained client confidentiality while sharing their powerful stories within the book.  Today’s topics include:  The power of storytelling and the need to address everyday relationship challenges that often go unspoken  The common stressors and complexities of various life scenarios, including cohabitation, co-parenting, blending families, and retirement  The concepts of dependence vs. interdependence in relationships, with a focus on self-reflection and healthy dynamics  Dr. Tracy’s decision to include her own experiences from her marriage and explains why she chose the book's title  How she maintained client confidentiality while including their impactful stories in the book   You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here! Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Dr. Tracy returns for episode 4 of her mini-series, and she's joined by the remarkable couple, Ryan and Britt, hosts of The Laughing Couple Podcast. Together, they shed light on balancing both the romantic and professional aspects of their relationship with their bustling home lives and their thriving business. They share how they’ve learned to navigate the often unspoken challenges that arise and emphasize the importance of open and honest communication in relationships. Together, they dive into the key pillars that they've really leaned on to maintain a connection with each other, including focusing on experiential intimacy and creating a bucket list of shared activities that they both look forward to completing with each other. Ryan and Britt also share some heartfelt advice for those struggling in their relationships, emphasizing the importance of generosity and empathy in partnerships. They share the exercises and tools they've used to overcome relationship roadblocks, especially when it comes to navigating the mental load both at home and in business.  Today’s topics include:  Balancing romance and business as partners  Challenges of sharing relationship struggles openly with friends and family  The importance of having trusted sounding boards outside the relationship  The importance of open communication and how starting their podcast saved their marriage  The importance of setting aside quality time for each other and encouraging generosity and empathy in relationships  The role of experiential intimacy in maintaining a strong bond  Exercises and tools for overcoming relationship roadblocks  How they navigate the mental load at home and in business   Be sure to follow Ryan and Britt on Instagram @thelaughingcouple and listen to their podcast!  Join us LIVE in Toronto on September 12th for my book launch event where I will be joined by Renee Reina to teach you the key to building a healthy interdependent relationship. Tickets here! You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Tracy sits down for episode 3 of her mini-series to speak with Audra and Chelsi, hosts of the "Dear Chiefs" podcast, to discuss the complexities of relationships and marriage with a first responder. As two wives of fire fighters, Audra and Chelsi know all too well the challenges that come with being the default parent while their partner is away at work for days and weeks at a time. In this episode, Audra and Chelsi discuss the often-misunderstood sacrifices of stay-at-home parents, emphasizing that these individuals take on immense responsibilities both at home and within their relationships. They shed light on the concept of being the "default parent", the emotional toll it can take, and the importance of planning, setting expectations, and finding a balance that prioritizes both partners and children. Lastly, they share realistic strategies on how to integrate their partner back into family life after their work block is complete and the importance of prioritizing your own well-being and independence.  Today’s topics include:  Balancing the role of being a stay-at-home parent and the sacrifices involved  Unveiling the reality of living with a split person due to first responder schedules  Managing missed family moments and embracing the role of the default parent  Strategies for prioritizing both partner and children while maintaining personal balance  The importance of having backup plans and self-care routines  Navigating reintegration and supporting partners after work blocks  Setting realistic standards and reframing expectations in parenting and partnership  Addressing resentment and embracing personal agency within the relationship  Shifting from dependency to self-sufficiency and self-fulfillment   Be sure to follow Audra and Chelsi on Instagram @dearchiefspodcast and listen to their podcast! Join us LIVE in Toronto on September 12th for my book launch event where I will be joined by Renee Reina to teach you the key to building a healthy interdependent relationship. Tickets here! You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Tracy sits down for episode 2 of her mini-series highlighting the hard, less talked-about moments in relationships that we often don’t see on social media. This week, she’s joined by the hilarious and honest duo, Cat and Nat, to bring a fresh perspective on the realness of building and balancing strong friendships as adults and how rewarding it can be when you put yourself out there. Together, they delve into the nitty-gritty of maintaining the balance between personal needs and nurturing friendships—a struggle especially familiar to parents. They also highlight their experiences of being both friends and business partners and the importance of recognizing what each person brings to the partnership and the ebbs and flows of their relationship. Whether you're navigating the complex landscape of adult relationships or just looking to make new connections, this episode offers valuable insights into fostering meaningful bonds that truly last.  Today’s topics include:  Navigating personal needs and emotions while exploring friendships  The role of friendships in the lives of parents – an essential component often overshadowed by other commitments  Cultivating strong friendships, acknowledging that genuine connections take time to develop  The challenges faced by mothers striving to build adult friendships and sharing their vulnerabilities  The pivotal role parents play in teaching their children about the essence of friendship  Recognizing the reality that not every person will form a connection with you, and getting comfortable with it  Understand the value of recognizing individual strengths within a friendship and remaining flexible  Building resilience by embracing rejection and understanding that it's often not a reflection of personal worth    Be sure to follow Cat and Nat on Instagram @catandnat and listen to their podcast Cat and Nat Unfiltered. Be sure to also check our their business the Common Parent for resources for parenting teens and tweens.  You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is episode 1 of Dr. Tracy's exciting new mini-series, where she sits down with real couples to unravel their untold stories beneath the surface of their relationships. In this episode, Dr.Tracy sits down with Shaun and Rini Frey, parents to a 2.5-year-old daughter with another baby on the way. They share how their relationship felt more than solid for so many years and how the arrival of their daughter brought on new challenges in their relationship that they didn’t anticipate. From passive-aggressiveness to scorekeeping and doubts, they share the struggles they faced and the steps they took as a couple to strengthen their relationship again.  Topics of today’s episode include:  The unexpected challenges faced by new parents and the impact on relationships  The importance of leaning on resources like couples therapy to help you navigate the difficult periods of your relationship  How childhood experiences can shape your approach to resolving conflicts  Exploring the differences in expectations placed on partners versus children  The significance of discussing important topics before becoming parents  Prioritizing connection through shared activities, date nights, and quality time  Embrace challenges, prioritize one another, understand each other's love languages, and maintain open communication   Be sure to follow Rini and Shaun on Instagram @ownitbabe and @ownitdad!  You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Tracy is joined by Deja Riley, a renowned dancer, Lululemon global ambassador, podcast host, and trainer. Deja has had an extraordinary career, having danced alongside global icons including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears. She is now a trainer in the fitness space and serves on the Lululemon ambassador advisory board. Together, they discuss establishing personal boundaries and finding the connection between the mind, body, and soul. Deja shares her own experiences, from her artistic upbringing to her transformative shift from her dancing career to the fitness industry, and shares her path to self-acceptance and self-care. She also sheds light on the unpublicized moments that shape us.  Topics of today’s episode include:   Navigating unsolicited advice on parenting and setting personal boundaries  Deja's upbringing in the arts, its influence on her open and fluid nature, and adapting to change  Recognizing the significance of internal work alongside external achievements  The pressures of societal expectations on appearance and self-worth  The unity of mind, body, and spirit in wellness  You can find Deja on Instagram @dejariley and be sure to listen to her podcast Dose of Duality.  You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Tracy explores the complex emotions of anger and shame and how they shape our relationships and upbringing. She discusses the responses she received when asking how her audience learned about anger growing up, how anger was handled at home, and what anger meant. Additionally, she discusses the powerful impact of shame, especially on highly sensitive children, and the struggles it poses in embracing and understanding our emotions. Dr. Tracy, offers insights on how to navigate these emotions in our relationships and provides valuable tips on expressing anger constructively and how to let go of those shame-based parenting patterns.  Today’s discussion includes:  The fear of anger and the impact of childhood experiences on our relationship with this emotion  Common beliefs about anger that lead to emotional suppression  Tips on expressing anger constructively and fostering open communication with partners  The detrimental effects of shame and its link to depression and social anxiety  Breaking free from shame-based parenting patterns to create a nurturing emotional environment for children   You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Tracy sits down with Eli Weinstein, a therapist specializing in relationships and parenting with a private practice in New York and Nevada. He is the host of The Dude Therapist Podcast, where he aims to modernize mental health discussions and offer relatable views. Together, they discuss communication patterns in relationships, renegotiating the expectations we hold in our relationships, and some of the things we should consider early on in a partnership. Eli discusses parenting and the idea that often arises that each parent has to parent the same, and when it’s important to recognize that each person in a partnership brings something unique to the table when it comes to parenting. Lastly, they discuss parenting challenges and boundaries, along with understanding the core needs in relationships and how addressing these core needs can positively impact relationship dynamics.  Today’s discussion includes:  Communication patterns and renegotiating relationship expectations  Exploring partnership dynamics and the significance of vulnerability in difficult moments  Navigating social media as a therapist and managing personal/professional boundaries  Embracing differences in parenting, using the "import/export list" to assess family values  Recognizing the importance of evolving together in marriage and embracing individual growth  Understanding core needs in relationships, such as connection and respect  Eli's personal challenges as a parent, including managing expectations and communication   Episode Links:  You can find Eli on Instagram @eliweinstein_lcsw and on his website eliweinsteinlcsw.com. Be sure to also listen to his podcast The Dude Therapist Podcast!  You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Tracy is joined by Dayna Abraham, a bestselling author and parenting expert. She is the founder of Lemon Lime Adventures, and her unique, out-of-the box perspective and workshops have been used by 200k+ parents, teachers, therapists, and pediatricians to get control of their child’s most difficult behaviors. Together, they will discuss Dayna’s Calm the Chaos Framework and roadmap, consisting of five key steps that everyone experiences at their own pace. Dayna provides practical insights on diffusing challenging situations, emphasizing the impact of fatigue on our patience.   EPISODE LINKS:  You can learn more about Danya on her website and pre-order her book Calm the Chaos: a Fail-Proof Road Map for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids. You can also find her on Instagram and TikTok.  You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again. Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love   Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass      Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected     Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices