It's the thought that counts... because the actions add up. In our interpersonal relationships, small habits can make the difference between peace and parting ways. In this episode, we dive into the psychology behind the tiny actions and daily rituals that shape how we connect, love, and trust. From gestures that quietly build closeness to the subtle habits that erode bonds over time, we explore why we notice patterns more than grand gestures and how that can transform friendships, romance, and family dynamics over time.

• Life isn’t always about extremes—it’s not just “I’m struggling” or “I’ve made it.”

• Sometimes you’re in that in-between space where you’re grateful, connected, and doing well, but also asking big questions: Am I capable of my goals? Are certain relationships aligned? How do I love people well without losing myself?

• It’s a mix of richness and restlessness—and that space itself is worth talking about because it’s where most people actually live.

We all know what it feels like to be misunderstood, but there’s another layer: sometimes you’re cast as the villain in someone else’s story not because you are one, but because they need you to be. Especially if they’re manipulative, insecure, or trying to avoid accountability.

Have you ever noticed that even though time has passed, the feeling about that person, place, or thing is still present?

Today's episode takes a trip down memory lane. There's so much that our minds and bodies are processing. And sometimes our body is already preparing for a date it remembers, for an experience it can't forget.

Some people don’t want a relationship with you; they want a relationship with what you can do for them. They show up in tears, in chaos, in need… but vanish in your joy or need for support/ stability. In this episode, we unpack why people only seem to call when they’re in crisis, the subtle emotional contracts that keep you over-giving, and how to set boundaries that protect your energy without losing your compassion.

My podcast is 7 years old today. I didn’t know what I was building 7 years ago. I just knew I had something to say. Thank you for listening—even before the words made sense. This is for you.

Let’s talk about those quotes that look good on Instagram carousels but fall apart when you actually try to live by them. Today, we’re calling out the ‘deep-sounding’ fluff — with love, of course.

We talk a lot about love-bombing in dating—but what about when it happens in friendships? In this episode, we break down friendship bombing: the intense, all-in energy that seems caring at first but turns out to be another form of emotional manipulation. From instant besties to sudden ghosting, this is still attachment theory at work—just dressed in platonic clothing. If you've ever felt confused, drained, or betrayed by a “too-good-to-be-true” friendship… this one's for you.

You thought being low-maintenance would earn you love.
You thought showing up, being chill, not asking for much—would be enough.
But when your love language is self-sacrifice and silence…
You don’t get peace.
You get taken for granted.

Let’s talk about the invisible love languages—and how they backfire.

We’ve all heard the lines: “I’m just really busy,” “Friendship is hard,” or “You know I’m always here if you need me.” These phrases sound virtuous, even comforting—but are they actually meaningful? Or are they just passive ways to dodge the responsibility of real connection?

In this episode, we unpack the culture of performative friendship—where people want credit for care they never deliver. Because sometimes, the thought doesn’t count. Especially when it’s never followed by action. Let’s talk about what it means to actually show up.

1:1 coaching www.birdbrainwellness.com

Have you ever chosen not to respond? Or bowed out of a plan without fully explaining why—and then wondered… was that petty? Or was that me protecting my peace? Today, we’re unpacking the nuance between emotional self-protection and performative withdrawal—what I call The Petty Principle.”

Have you ever chosen not to respond? Or bowed out of a plan without fully explaining why—and then wondered… was that petty? Or was that me protecting my peace? Today, we’re unpacking the nuance between emotional self-protection and performative withdrawal—what I call The Petty Principle.”

You ever walk into your own space—mentally, spiritually, physically—and feel like you’re not alone? Like someone’s energy is still sitting in the room, even though they haven’t been around in weeks…months…maybe even years? Yeah, today we’re talking about the ghosts we don’t always see—but definitely feel.”Not all ghosts are dead. Some are just people who left behind a piece of themselves… or tried to stay longer than they were supposed to.

Accepting 1:1 clients: www.birdbrainwellness.com

You ever walk into your own space—mentally, spiritually, physically—and feel like you’re not alone? Like someone’s energy is still sitting in the room, even though they haven’t been around in weeks…months…maybe even years? Yeah, today we’re talking about the ghosts we don’t always see—but definitely feel.”Not all ghosts are dead. Some are just people who left behind a piece of themselves… or tried to stay longer than they were supposed to.

Accepting 1:1 clients: ⁠www.birdbrainwellness.com⁠

We’ve all been there—bending over backward for people who barely show up for us, while sidelining the relationships that are actually solid. In this episode, we dive into the difference between high priority and high quality connections. Why do we chase status, mystery, or validation from people we barely know, while neglecting the consistent, genuine folks already in our lives? Let’s talk about how this pattern forms, what it says about our self-worth, and how to start choosing substance over spectacle.

Accepting 101 clients: ⁠⁠www.birdbrainwellness.com

We’ve all been there—bending over backward for people who barely show up for us, while sidelining the relationships that are actually solid. In this episode, we dive into the difference between high priority and high quality connections. Why do we chase status, mystery, or validation from people we barely know, while neglecting the consistent, genuine folks already in our lives? Let’s talk about how this pattern forms, what it says about our self-worth, and how to start choosing substance over spectacle.

Accepting 101 clients: ⁠www.birdbrainwellness.com

We often pride ourselves on being the nurturers—the ones who show up, fix, soothe, and hold space. But what if that instinct to mother others is actually masking our own unmet needs? In this episode, we explore the thin line between compassion and codependency, care and control, nurture and neglect. When you’re always the one pouring into others, who’s replenishing you? Let’s unpack how well-meaning over-giving can disconnect us from our own healing, how people-pleasing becomes mistaken for purpose, and what it really means to mother yourself. If you've ever been praised for being “the strong one” while quietly feeling depleted, this one’s for you.

We often pride ourselves on being the nurturers—the ones who show up, fix, soothe, and hold space. But what if that instinct to mother others is actually masking our own unmet needs? In this episode, we explore the thin line between compassion and codependency, care and control, nurture and neglect. When you’re always the one pouring into others, who’s replenishing you? Let’s unpack how well-meaning over-giving can disconnect us from our own healing, how people-pleasing becomes mistaken for purpose, and what it really means to mother yourself. If you've ever been praised for being “the strong one” while quietly feeling depleted, this one’s for you.

Emotional disconnection doesn’t always come with a dramatic exit — sometimes it shows up as silence, passive effort, or that gut feeling something’s missing. In this episode, we explore the subtle signs of emotional withdrawal, why it’s not always rejection, and how to stop taking it personally when someone just isn’t invested.

Emotional disconnection doesn’t always come with a dramatic exit — sometimes it shows up as silence, passive effort, or that gut feeling something’s missing. In this episode, we explore the subtle signs of emotional withdrawal, why it’s not always rejection, and how to stop taking it personally when someone just isn’t invested.