Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc

#022: Managing Boundaries - How to Manage Difficult People

Now that we’ve broken down boundary myths and how to make a boundary, we deep dive into practical examples of how to manage boundaries in real-time. We need to understand the other person's “why” for resisting our boundary. Look for the “turbulence” you feel, it’s a clue about what is important to you. We all know stress is inevitable in relationship, so why not learn ways to be pro-active instead of reactive to these stressors? This week we learn lessons from TalkDoc for how to carefully plan responses to boundary resistors in our lives.  To be kind to our relationships we need to give others a manual for how to treat us. We need to understand why others break our boundaries in order to plan and reduce relationships stress. Remember being clear is kind! The key here is to focus on what you need NOT on how the other person should behave.

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#021: Boundaries 101 - How to Say No!

In this episode TalkDoc breaks down what boundaries really are versus what they are not. Do you know clear boundaries actually help the people in our lives treat us better? What do you say yes and no to in your life? Do you feel overwhelmed or used? Research shows if we stick to our boundaries they help us feel less taken advantage of by others. It’s important to learn that boundary making is about owning responsibility and our own needs, not directing the actions of people around us. So consider what is good for you without casting shade on others. This week is all about practice, practice, practice. Tune into the boundary mantra, “create, state, maintain.” Remember, to best communicate a clear boundary you need to be able to tell another what is not allowed for you AND what you need. Don’t forget, boundaries are clear! Let us know how you stick to your boundaries (hello@afafpodcast.com). 

 

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#020: Myths of Boundaries

In this episode we discuss what a boundary actually is versus how boundaries often get misconstrued. Boundaries are all around us and help us know what we are responsible for or what others’ responsibilities are. They are about providing structure and research shows we require structure to thrive. Join us as we explore boundary violations, their limits and how you can clarify your needs. We clarify what boundaries are not through 4 myths many of us believe. As you listen, explore the beliefs you carry about boundaries and work through them with us in practical ways. Take a listen and let us know how you see this (hello@afafpodcast.com)

 

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#019: AFAF with Jamal Jivanjee on Transforming Self Talk

Join us as we interview life-coach Jamal Jivanjee about his work with others to confront the stories they tell themselves to reshape their thinking for better relationships and a better life. 

Jamal explains that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. Jamal reminds us that our body is a record of the past and what we believe about ourselves will often repeat itself in life unless we change the record. Once we become aware that suffering typically happens in patterns like a record, transformation can take place through intentionally re-writing the narrative.

 

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#018: Beating Around the Bush - How to Choose Your Words

In this episode we discuss how we use words to soften the blow of our messages.  Every culture has ways to “beat around the bush.” Take a listen and let us know how you do this (hello@afafpodcast.com). Are there times when we should blunt?  Or can euphemisms be helpful to the other at times? Maybe trading our own comfort for the growth of the other is a good place to start (TC4G). While we believe honesty is the best policy, it is equally important to distinguish the reasons we share with others. Checking our motivations is key this week. Is shame, fear, anger or hurt influencing your message? 

 

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#017: AFAF with Molly McManimie on Reframing Success

In this episode we deep dive into the professional world of communication with NFL Agent, Molly McManimie. From her undergrad in Communication Studies to her Doctorate in Law, Molly continues to put in “the work” personally and professionally. Listen as she shares her own definition of success and how she trades comfort for growth (TC4G) on a daily basis. 

 

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#016: Bloopers Reel 1 - Everybody Makes Mistakes

We all know nobody’s perfect - including TalkDoc, Meredith, and Teighlor.  So we thought what better way to celebrate our 3 Month-A-Versary than by sharing some entertaining imperfections in a blooper reel.  We hope you enjoy this podcast of outtakes as much as we enjoy putting together the show in spite of - or maybe because of our do-overs.

#015: What the Phub!

In this episode we explore the meaning of phubbing (phone snubbing). Have you ever had someone pick up their phone mid-conversation? Is this normal or are we addicted to the brick in our pocket? Cell phones may bring us closer to those far from us yet take us further from those next to us. Research shows that in situations where our phones are constantly accessible perceived relationship satisfaction goes down as well. Some research even explores phone addiction and its relation to how we spend our time. This week we discover several way to increase our attention span - what to pay attention to, how strongly and for how long - to help us build relationships with those we care about in practical ways.

 

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#014: Taboo Topics

In this episode we talk about subjects we “shouldn’t” talk about, a.k.a taboo topics. Talkdoc brings us up to speed with the reasons we avoid these topics. There’s lots of reasons we don’t talk about things but the key is to start thinking about what those are and where they come from. Some people in our lives can support tough topics and some cannot. Remember to carefully navigate whom we share our stories with. Timing is also a major player in these topics and actively understanding the people around us will help.

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#013: Stories We Make Up

Do you have stories you tell yourself rattling around in your head about the thoughts, feelings, motivations and behaviors of those you care about?  Have you convinced yourself you know what you need to know? Are you sure you know whether the story is made up or whether it’s true?

The stories we create, can create problems for ourselves and others. In this episode of “Asking For A Friend,” find out about the reasons why we choose to operate with less information vs more. Learn about the brain science behind the cause and effect of operating with too little information and how it leads to a crazy cycle of relationship erosion.

Then discover the three communication steps - including the “duct tape” of communication, you can put into practice to release yourself from the crazy cycle. Listen now and move beyond what you think you know to build stronger relationships and a healthier you.

Music by epidemic sound.