• #127: Celebrating Motherhood: Lessons from the Mothership with Melissa Beck
    May 6 2025

    In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back Melissa Beck, President of Anonymous Philanthropy, to share her wisdom on balancing the multifaceted roles of being a mother, career woman, and spouse. From managing career expectations, unseen labor, and burnout, to the importance of boundaries and the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood, Melissa provides deep insights and practical advice. The episode also delves into Melissa's supportive 'mothership' group, her experiences raising three teenage boys, and the impactful work she does in philanthropy. Join us as we explore the strength, struggles, and triumphs of being a working mom.

    Music by epidemic sound.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Experts : Melissa Beck and Mothers everywhere

    Link to previous AFAF Episode with Melissa Beck on Generosity:

    https://youtu.be/wEnzueUNT0E

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    38 mins
  • #126: Embracing Common Ground We Didn’t Know We Had
    Apr 22 2025

    In this enlightening episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo delve into the complexities of maintaining cherished relationships. The episode addresses the common tendency to focus on differences rather than similarities and offers practical tools to bridge gaps and create connections. It highlights examples from everyday life, family gatherings, workplace dynamics, and even vacations to illustrate how emphasizing commonalities can lead to more harmonious interactions. Learn how shifting your language and mindset from 'me' vs. 'you' to 'we' and 'us' can transform the way you connect with others.

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    SHOW NOTES:

    Experts : Clark and Brennan - Common Ground Theory

    Resources : McCorkle and Reese: Mediation Theory and Practice

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    30 mins
  • #125: Unlocking Optimism: The Art of Reframing
    Apr 8 2025

    Welcome back to Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, featuring hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo. In today's episode, we explore “reframing”—a powerful mental communication tool backed by research that helps cultivate resilience, clarity, and purpose. The discussion juxtaposes growth versus fixed mindsets and optimism versus pessimism, drawing on insights from Martin Seligman's “Learned Optimism” and Carol Dweck's “Mindset: The Psychology of Success.” Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, we delve into how shifting our perspectives can turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether it’s navigating relationship breakups or dealing with everyday inconveniences, reframing aids in approaching problems from new angles and adapting a growth-oriented mindset. Join us as we uncover ways to enhance your emotional well-being and relationship dynamics through the transformative power of reframing.

    Music by epidemic sound.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Experts/Resources:

    Martin Seligman - Learned Optimism

    https://www.amazon.com/Learned-Optimism-Change-Your-Mind/dp/0671019112

    Brene Brown - Rising Strong

    https://brenebrown.com/book/rising-strong/

    Carol Dweck - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40745.Mindset

    AFAF Links :

    Episode #004: Birthday Mindset! How to Stay Positive

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/655b369db039ba1eea98440837bb86d4

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    23 mins
  • #124: Mastering Boundaries: How to Say No and Improve Your Relationships!
    Mar 25 2025

    In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo discuss the importance of setting boundaries in personal and professional relationships. They demystify common misconceptions, explore why boundaries are essential for healthy interactions, and offer practical advice on how to create, state, and maintain effective boundaries. The conversation includes real-life examples and role-playing scenarios to help listeners understand the importance of clear, direct communication. Tune in to learn how to respect your needs and foster stronger relationships through thoughtful boundary-setting.

    Music by epidemic sound.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Experts : Dr. Nicole LaPera, Cloud and Townsend

    Resources :

    Dr. Nicole LaPera’s Formula for Boundaries

    1. CREATE
    2. STATE
    3. MAINTAIN

    https://theholisticpsychologist.com/boundaries-the-ultimate-life-hack/

    Cloud and Townsend’s Book:

    https://www.boundariesbooks.com/products/boundaries-updated-expanded-edition

    Links to AFAF Episodes on Boundaries :

    Episode #020: Myths of Boundaries

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/c6b431c4b18335a1759db7588986fd0d

    Episode #021: Boundaries 101 - How to Say No!

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/8dc8625be3a918b62f8c9d16a1f888f9

    Episode #022: Managing Boundaries - How to Manage Difficult People

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/04a05256443fa4baabf2b3dcbfcc32d9

    Episode #067: How to Set Boundaries to Help Others Treat You Well

    https://youtu.be/DWsp-Ma9ZMs

    Episode #068: How to Handle Boundary Testers

    https://youtu.be/WeAdKxNlhB0

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    42 mins
  • #123: Stonewalling Explained: Why it Happens and How to Overcome it!
    Mar 11 2025

    In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagle, and Teighlor Polendo explore the concept of stonewalling in relationships. They discuss common misconceptions, Gottman's Four Horsemen, and the damaging effects stonewalling can have on relationships. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, practical advice on how to manage and recognize stonewalling, and effective strategies like planning discussions to avoid emotional flooding. Tune in for insightful tips and real-life experiences to improve your communication and relational dynamics.

    Music by epidemic sound.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Experts : Dr. John Gottman, Gottman Institute

    https://www.gottman.com/

    Listen Here: Shut Down Mode

    Episode #005: https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/100334e9de176a1fa5f53be4503458cf

    Watch and Listen Here: AFAF REWIND "How to Manage Stonewalling"

    Episode #094: https://youtu.be/lTGfidapgAo

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    36 mins
  • #122: Stop Taking It Personally! Managing Defensiveness
    Feb 25 2025

    In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo take a deep dive into defensiveness in relationships. They explore how defensiveness affects communication, relationships, and even children, drawing from personal experiences and research by Dr. John Gottman. The hosts break down Gottman’s 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' and discuss practical strategies to reduce defensiveness, including taking responsibility, seeking clarity, and reframing interactions. Tune in for expert insights and actionable tools to strengthen your communication and relationships.

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    30 mins
  • #121: That's Not What I Meant! Unpacking Intent vs. Impact
    Feb 11 2025

    In this episode of “Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc,” Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel and Teighlor Polendo discuss the intricacies of communication and relationships, emphasizing the difference between intent and impact. Using Maya Angelou's quote as a backdrop, the hosts explore how words and actions leave lasting impressions.

    Join the conversation as they share personal stories and research findings to highlight the importance of empathy, curiosity, and mindful communication in maintaining and repairing close relationships. Practical tips, including perception checks, are provided to help listeners improve their interactions, particularly in long-term relationships and family dynamics.

    Music by epidemic sound.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Experts : Angelou, Stamp and Knapp, Albright, Brown, Gottman

    Resources :

    Stamp and Knapp Article:

    https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1991-04377-001

    Albright, et al. Study:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103103001288

    Maya Angelou Quotation:

    https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3503.Maya_Angelou

    Brene Brown:

    https://brenebrown.com/art/

    Gottman Institute:

    https://www.gottman.com/

    Tools : Formula for Perception Checking

    1. Identify the Behavior
    2. Offer Two Interpretations
    3. Request for Clarification

    Links :

    Episode 001: The Message Received is the One That Counts

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/6dce9b4a421e11cc80560cc626684dde

    Episode 065: REAL TALK! Checking Our Perception Checking

    https://youtu.be/qFih99VMeOU

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    33 mins
  • #120: Unfiltered! The Joy and Curiosity of Children's Speech
    Dec 3 2024

    In this episode, TalkDoc, Meredith and Teighlor dive into the hilarious and insightful things kids say. From funny family anecdotes to holiday preparations, discover the lighter side of parenting and the developmental quirks of childhood speech.

    Listen in as our hosts discuss the cognitive theories behind children's humor and the importance of embracing curiosity over social embarrassment. The episode underscores the importance of curiosity, honesty, and the joy found in innocent, childlike perspectives. Don't miss their entertaining holiday quiz and expert tips on navigating parenting challenges.

    Music by epidemic sound.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Experts : Dr. Jean Piaget, Dr. Michael Gervais

    Resources :

    Children’s Humor Article:

    https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/4884_ScarlettChapter5.pdf

    Gervais article in Harvard Business Review:

    https://hbr.org/2019/05/how-to-stop-worrying-about-what-other-people-think-of-you

    Watch/Listen to Simon Sinek Podcast with Michael Gervais:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWrpJ00IQWY

    Michael Gervais Book on Mastery:

    https://findingmastery.com/book/

    Links : Family Survival Kit for the Holidays

    #034: Family Survival Kit Part 1 - How to Manage Expectations

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/8026ba30dfc35b46303b9c5cd9cfc24e

    #035: Family Survival Kit Part 2 - How to Manage Family Rules and Traditions

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/6d2622d6e1f0782093fbb85bb38ac801

    #036: Family Survival Kit Part 3 - How to Skip Guilt Trips

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/3b9ec74a701299cdcf662394b86d71fa

    #037: Family Survival Kit Part 4 - How to Handle Bad Behavior

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/d538f81fa48a0e67d27c18d61ec66d04

    #038: Family Survival Kit Part 5 - How to Manage Differences with Family

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/28ea4ed1fa69b3d210bfdb76ac415918

    #039: Family Survival Kit Part 6 - Wise Words from 2021

    https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/a4622dcca7ab2641d3fb91fb9f3aad54

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    28 mins