In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with author and journalist Melissa Petro, whose new book, Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, delves into the complex world of shame and societal judgment. Melissa brings her unique perspective, shaped by her own experiences in the sex trade and as a mother, to explore how shame affects women in both public and private spheres. We get into how women are often burdened with shame from a young age, and Melissa shares how she’s navigated the harsh terrain of public shaming, including a scandal that nearly ended her career. She also offers practical insights on developing "shame resilience" and creating safe spaces for healing.

We unpack everything from body image and motherhood to the cultural narratives that reinforce shame. Whether you’ve struggled with feelings of inadequacy or have felt judged for choices in your personal life, this episode offers a thoughtful and compassionate look at how we can break free from societal expectations and find strength in our authentic selves. Tune in to explore Melissa’s journey and find out how we can all cultivate resilience against shame!

Episode Highlights:
[0:04] - Meet Melissa Petro: author, journalist, and advocate for women navigating shame and public scrutiny.
[1:38] - The inspiration behind Shame on You and Melissa's personal journey from public scandal to resilience.
[3:52] - The societal pressures on women around body image and motherhood, and how shame is often weaponized.
[8:57] - Navigating the double bind of using sexuality as power while dealing with the shame that follows.
[17:14] - The impact of mass media shaming and how Melissa coped with being in the public eye.
[26:07] - Exploring the concept of "shame resilience" and why finding safe spaces is crucial for healing.
[32:17] - Melissa’s insights on body acceptance and how to challenge internalized shame in today’s culture.
[37:15] - The power of empathy and connecting with others as a path to overcoming shame.

Links and Resources:

• Melissa Petro’s Book: Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification
• Melissa’s recent article in Time Magazine: Read Here

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

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In this follow-up to last week’s conversation on the emotional lives of men, we bring you a special “Men Tell All” episode with guests Josh Mora and Dennis Williams. Josh and Dennis, hosts of The Back 9 podcast, open up about what it’s really like for men navigating relationships, dating, and personal growth in midlife. We get candid about the challenges and rewards of dating after divorce, the importance of male friendships, and how men process emotions in ways you might not expect. You’ll hear honest takes on vulnerability, authenticity, and setting boundaries, plus some surprising insights into male sexuality and relationship expectations at this stage of life. Tune in to hear what men wish women knew, explore why male friendships are essential, and discuss the ups and downs of midlife dating.

Episode Highlights:
[0:04] - We introduce Josh Mora and Dennis Williams, hosts of The Back 9 podcast.
[1:08] - Josh and Dennis share their experiences dating after long marriages.
[3:37] - The importance of self-confidence and setting boundaries in new relationships.
[7:00] - What men really value in a partner: authenticity and direct communication.
[15:21] - Talking about male sexuality and how it changes (or doesn’t) in midlife.[20:01] - Josh and Dennis discuss dating age preferences and how they’ve evolved.
[25:24] - Why male friendships matter and how they’ve maintained theirs for decades.
[32:36] - Wrapping up with reflections on healing, growth, and moving past resentment.

Resources:

The Back 9 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-back-9/id1717609674

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Insights from the Couch: Mental Health at Midlife." Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s both complex and essential—the emotional lives of men. We often hear that men are the strong, silent types, but what’s really going on beneath that composed exterior? How do societal expectations and upbringing shape men’s emotional expressions? We explore these questions and more, offering a compassionate look at the vulnerabilities men face and how they navigate their emotional landscapes.

In this episode, we discuss the common challenges men encounter when trying to express their feelings, the impact of societal norms, and the crucial role partners play in fostering a supportive environment for emotional openness.

Episode Highlights:
[00:37] - The Duck Analogy: smooth surface and frantic kicking below.
[04:06] - The Three F's: Feed, F**k, Flatter—simplified emotional needs.
[06:10] - The Bad Partner Communication Report Card: defensiveness, dismissiveness, distancing, and fixing.
[07:40] - The Challenge of Vulnerability: men’s emotional conditioning.
[09:11] - Societal Expectations: how culture shapes male emotional expression.
[15:35] - Coping Mechanisms: alcohol, workaholism, and disconnection.
[19:58] - Emotional Connection: the role of partners in men's emotional lives.
[23:51] - Practical Tips: inviting vulnerability without forcing it.
[30:04] - Pursuer-Withdrawer Dynamic: understanding relationship patterns.
[37:14] - Creating Emotional Safety: steps for building a supportive environment.

Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!