Codependent Doctor

Why does rest feel so uncomfortable for so many people? In this episode, I explore the deeper reasons slowing down can feel harder than staying busy. I share a personal story from a time in my life when I realized I didn’t know how to relax, and how hustle culture, nervous system conditioning, guilt, and identity can keep us stuck in constant productivity. We talk about why busyness can become a coping strategy, how avoiding rest i...

In this episode, I open up about something that shaped so many of my relationships — the belief that I had to earn my place in people’s lives. We explore why being needed can feel safer than being loved, how codependency can show up in subtle ways like overgiving, people-pleasing, and always being “the strong one,” and the emotional cost of tying your worth to what you do for others. I share a personal story about burnout, resentme...

In this episode, we explore the pattern of the help rejecting complainer—the person who repeatedly vents about the same problems but resists every solution. If you’ve ever felt drained, frustrated, or responsible for fixing someone else’s life, this conversation will likely resonate. We unpack why people stay stuck, including fear of change, low self-trust, and the hidden ways attention and connection can reinforce these patterns. ...

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Weiss for a conversation about women, money, and financial confidence. We talk about the patterns he often sees in women who are caregivers, people-pleasers, or overgivers, and how society has shaped so many women to seek security with money before ever feeling true freedom. Phil shares why women often know more than they think they do financially, but may strugg...

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I’m joined by Relationship Grief Coach Terraine LeBeau, founder of Behind the Shades Coaching. We talk about the kind of grief that doesn’t always get recognized—like breakups, identity loss, and the painful process of letting go. Terraine shares how people-pleasing, comparison, and childhood trauma can shape our relationships, and how his SOAR method helps clients heal and reconnect with ...

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I’m joined by Daniel Ratner, relationship coach and author, to talk about Emotional Vampires, the people in our lives who leave us feeling drained, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted. We explore why we stay in unhealthy relationships, how self-esteem plays a role in who we attract, and what it actually takes to set boundaries without drowning in guilt. Daniel also shares practical tools...

In today’s episode of The Codependent Doctor Podcast, I’m joined by Jonathan McLean for a deep, grounding conversation about healing from the inside out. We talk about inner child work and why sitting with past versions of yourself can free up so much emotional and mental energy in your day-to-day life. Jonathan also breaks down Human Design in a way that feels accessible and practical, explaining how aligning with your strategy an...

In this episode of The Codependent Doctor, I’m sitting down with Emotional Freedom & Transformation Coach Jason Johnson to talk about what he calls detrimental kindness, that sneaky pattern of being “too nice” at your own expense. We explore how overgiving, people-pleasing, and chronic guilt quietly erode your health, identity, and relationships, and how to begin practicing kindness in a way that actually includes you. Jason wa...

In this episode, I sit down with speaker and coach Kelly Parker to talk about what it really means to break the script — those old stories and childhood beliefs that quietly shape how we show up in life, work, and relationships. Kelly shares how to recognize limiting beliefs, where they come from, and practical ways to rewrite them so you can live more authentically and confidently. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, pe...

In this episode, Dr. Wendy Schofer joins me for a conversation that’s part personal story, part wake-up call. As a dual-board certified pediatrician, lifestyle physician, and trauma-informed coach, she’s learned firsthand how burnout, people-pleasing, and emotional disconnection can show up in our careers, relationships, and even our relationship with food and our bodies.

We talk about what it means to live boldly instead of shrinki...

What if helping someone you love is actually hurting you? In this episode, Donna Marston shares her journey as a mother of a child in active addiction—and how she learned to set boundaries, release shame, and reclaim her life.

We talk about the difference between support and enabling, the grief of parenting through addiction, and how healing begins when you choose yourself.

Learn more at www.sharingwithoutshame.com

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Jenn Fredericks, Personal Resilience Practitioner and founder of The Carewell Circle, joins us to talk about Prosilience, a proactive approach to resilience, and why managing your energy (not just your time) is the key to staying afloat. Jenn shares powerful stories from her own journey as both a two-time kidney transplant recipient and a caregiver for her daughter with a brain tumor, and offers practical strategies to help you pau...

Ever feel stuck even when you’re motivated and ready to change? In this episode, Kam Knight breaks down the hidden force behind that feeling: internal resistance. We talk about how it shows up as procrastination, overthinking, and self-doubt, plus simple ways to start moving forward.

Grab Kam’s freebie 5 Ways to End Procrastination and Sabotage at kamknight.com, and find him on Instagram and Facebook.

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In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Butt, founder of Face Talk™ and expert in Facial Intelligence, to explore how our facial features can act as a mirror to the mind and spirit. Michelle shares how understanding our own face can reveal patterns, improve communication, and help us break free from cycles of people-pleasing and conflict. It’s a powerful conversation about stepping into self-awareness, connection, and personal po...

Neuroscience researcher and wellness coach Samantha Stoltz joins me to talk about what burnout really is, why it’s more than just exhaustion, and how the mind-body connection shapes our health in powerful ways. Samantha shares her own journey through burnout and the science-backed, soul-centered practices that helped her rebuild balance. From breaking limiting beliefs to creating small sustainable shifts through habit stacking, thi...

In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist and mindful life coach Elizabeth Mintun, host of The Calming Ground podcast. We talk about navigating life transitions — from leaving toxic relationships to moving through grief and midlife shifts — and how to embrace the discomfort of change as part of growth. Elizabeth also shares practical tools for holding space for yourself. 

Click here for a free Morning Ritual Guide to support ...

Your nervous system—not just your mindset—holds the key to healing. In this powerful conversation, Elizabeth Kipp shares how she recovered from 40 years of chronic pain and why codependent patterns are actually survival strategies, not flaws. You’ll learn simple breathing techniques to shift from stress to safety in minutes, plus holistic tools for releasing trauma, breaking cycles, and finding true regulation.

Website https://Eliza...

Feeling lost in people-pleasing and emotional caretaking? You’re not alone. Psychotherapist and author of Love Smacked, Sherry Gaba, joins us to unpack codependency. We explore how early relational trauma wires us to abandon ourselves for connection.

Learn to spot the subtle signs of codependency: resentment, overgiving, chronic guilt. Sherry explains the link between love addiction and the pull toward unavailable partners.

We dive i...

Breakups hurt! In this episode, Dr. Downey unpacks why heartbreak can feel like withdrawal, especially for those with codependent tendencies. When your identity is wrapped up in caring for someone else, losing the relationship often means losing your sense of self. From the brain chemistry behind those late-night texts to the quiet signs it’s time to leave a draining relationship, this episode is a deep dive into the real pain of l...