Heal Your Heartbreak Podcast
Every Tuesday I have a new episode of the Heal Your Heartbreak Podcast where I talk about a different topic as it relates to break ups, healing your heartbreak, growing in your single life, and moving into happier and healthier relationships.
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Heal Your Heartbreak Episodes
#312 Breaking Free From Narcissism with Dr. Alina Kastner
In today’s expert episode, I’m joined by Dr. Alina Kastner, a Vienna-based psychotherapist and author of Break Up with Narcissism: How to Break Free and Stay Free. We dive into what really happens after a breakup with a narcissist—beyond just identifying the red flags. Dr. Alina shares her perspective on the often-missing conversation about the true healing journey: rebuilding self-esteem, facing the isolation that comes from a toxic relationship, letting go of shame, and how to reconnect with old friends after being cut off. We talk about the complex aftermath, from understanding the emotional void to dealing with trauma triggers long after the relationship ends. Dr. Alina also shares practical advice and introduces her Toxic Breakup Journal, a daily tool for navigating those challenging first weeks of recovery. If you’re struggling with the “what now?” after leaving a narcissist, this episode is full of hope, validation, and actionable tips for reclaiming your life.
#311 Discovering DIY Spirituality with Faith Freed
In today’s expert episode, I’m interviewing Faith Freed, a licensed psychotherapist, spiritual guide, and author of the new book DIY Spirituality: Chart Your Own Sacred Path. We dive into the intersection of spirituality and relationships—especially after heartbreak—and discuss how connecting with your own sense of spirituality can be a key part of healing. We get into what spirituality really means (it’s probably more accessible and personal than you think!), why it’s so important to develop a strong relationship with yourself and something greater than you, and how doing so can actually prevent unhealthy relationship patterns like putting your partner on a pedestal. Faith breaks down her “divine disco ball” framework for spiritual self-care, shares practical, approachable ways to connect with your spirit, and reassures us that there’s no one right way to get spiritual. Whether you’re religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or just curious about how spirituality can support your healing, this is a great place to start.
#310 The Secrets to Cultivating a Village That Shows Up When Life Gets Tough
In today’s solo episode I’m diving into the concept of “being a villager” and the importance of building your community—especially during tough times like a breakup. I share how the lessons and tools I learned over a decade ago from healing my own heartbreak still support me in my life today, including during a recent personal crisis with my family. I talk about the misconceptions many of us have when it comes to asking for and offering help, why it’s so essential to stay current and invested in our friendships, and practical ways to become a better support system for others. We’ll explore how to nurture your village, be honest about your needs, and what it truly looks like to show up for each other, so you don’t have to go through hard things alone.
#309 When Stress at Work Impacts Love at Home with Guy Winch
In today's expert episode, I'm joined by one of my all-time favorite guests (and yours!), Guy Winch, psychologist, TED speaker, and author of the brand new book Mind Over Grind. We dive deep into the topic of how workplace stress and burnout can erode our relationships, sometimes leading to breakups and heartache. We talk about the unconscious ways that work stress spills over into our home lives, why productivity can become a numbing tool after heartbreak, and how rumination keeps us stuck during tough transitions. Guy Winch shares research-backed insights on why burnout can make us feel numb—even toward the people we love most—and gives practical tips for both partners: whether you're the one obsessing about work, or on the receiving end feeling like you've come second to your partner's job. We also discuss key conversations to have early on when dating again, especially if you've got a history of choosing partners who are married to their work. If you've ever wondered how to set healthy work boundaries, or want to understand the hidden ways stress can impact your love life, this episode is packed with validation, practical advice, and hope.
#308 Understanding Limerence and Longing with Amanda McCracken
In today's expert episode, I'm joined by journalist and author Amanda McCracken to dive deep into the topics of longing and limerence—those intense, ruminating crushes or obsessions that can stick with us for years, even decades. Amanda shares her very personal journey with limerence, what it was like to struggle with it long before the term became widely known, and how it intersected with her romantic life and late-in-life virginity. We talk about the addictive pull of longing, why emotionally unavailable people can feel so magnetic, and how societal influences like rom-coms and social media can amp up these feelings. Amanda also shares practical advice and her road to recovery, including how she eventually shifted out of these patterns to find real intimacy with her now-husband. If you're going through a breakup, struggling to let go, or finding yourself stuck in obsessive thoughts about an ex, this conversation will hit home and give you hope that healing—and even real love—are possible.
#307 Healing Is Not Linear: When Old Relationship Trauma Resurfaces Years Later
In today's solo episode, I'm sitting down and sharing off the cuff about something unexpected that came up for me in therapy this week—old pain from a toxic relationship I was in over a decade ago. Even though I haven't gone through a breakup in years, this experience reminded me how healing from heartbreak, especially from trauma and narcissistic abuse, happens in layers and isn't always linear. I discuss how triggers from my past appeared in my current marriage, what it's like to feel frustrated that old wounds resurface even after doing so much "work," and how I'm learning to have more compassion for my younger self. This episode isn't about having all the answers, but rather about being honest with the messy parts of the healing journey, processing in real time, and offering support to anyone who feels shame for still being affected by a breakup, no matter how long ago it happened.
#306: Navigating the Six Stages of Relationships with Thais Gibson
In today's expert episode, I'm interviewing returning guest Thais Gibson—best-selling author, researcher, and founder of the Personal Development School—about her powerful new concept: the six stages of every relationship. We unpack each stage, from dating and the honeymoon phase, through the power struggle, all the way to commitment and the everlasting stage. We talk through the specific lessons and pitfalls that come with each phase, why so many breakups happen in the power struggle, and how even long-term couples can be stuck without ever moving forward. We also discuss practical tools for vetting in the dating stage, communicating your needs, and building safer, more fulfilling partnerships. Whether you’re reflecting on a past breakup or looking to date differently in the future, this is an episode full of actionable insight and hope.
#305: Why Self-Awareness Isn’t Enough with Kati Morton
In today’s expert episode, I’m joined by Kati Morton—licensed marriage and family therapist, bestselling author, and one of the most trusted mental health voices online. We dive into her newest book, "Why Do I Keep Doing This?" and explore how our desire for control impacts everything from relationships to mental health. In our conversation, we talk about the many ways control can show up—beyond the classic “type A” stereotype—including people pleasing, passive aggression, and perfectionism. Kati Morton shares her own journey with control, and we discuss why self-knowledge alone isn’t enough to change patterns and break free from cycles we know aren’t serving us. We also get into the unique struggle of wanting closure after a breakup, and how we can start to process experiences, sit with discomfort, and move toward more helpful behavior without shaming ourselves into change. Whether you’re currently going through heartbreak or simply looking to understand yourself better, this episode will help you release the illusion of control and find compassion in your healing process.
#304 Early Divorce Isn’t Failure: Finding Hope After Unexpected Turns with Eve Simmons
In today’s expert episode, I’m interviewing Eve Simmons, an award-winning health journalist who is back on the podcast after going through a life-changing divorce just six months into her marriage. We dive into her personal story, what led her to investigate the trend of early divorces among millennial women, and why there’s so little guidance for young couples splitting up before kids are involved. Eve Simmons shares the common themes she uncovered in her research, like professional success in women, financial complications, and the emotional fallout of an unexpected breakup. We talk about the unique fears faced after these divorces, how shame and loneliness show up, and what it’s like to rebuild your life when the path you planned is suddenly gone. Eve Simmons also opens up about her own healing journey, including finding love again and starting a family, and shares the hopeful lessons she and other women have learned about independence, resilience, and the surprising gifts that can come out of heartbreak. Be sure to check out her new book What She Did Next where she not only talks about her story but many others!
#303 How a Daily Gratitude Practice Changed My Life and Friendships
In today's solo episode, I'm reflecting on a practice that's been a huge part of my own healing journey—gratitude texting. As we kick off 2026, I share the five biggest lessons I've learned after nearly six years of sending daily gratitude texts with a small group of friends. I dive into how this habit started during my own heartbreak, why it works even when the group isn't made up of lifelong friends, and how it's helped me focus on life's small joys, build deeper connections, and even learn to celebrate my own wins. I wrap up with practical tips and a challenge for you to try starting your own gratitude list—whether you're moving through heartbreak or just looking to bring more positivity into your life.
#302 Redefining Divorce with Sarah Armstrong
In today's expert episode, I'm talking with Sarah Armstrong, author of The Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce and Vice President of Global Marketing Operations at Google. Sarah is sharing her personal experience navigating her divorce 15 years ago while prioritizing her daughter Grace. We discuss the concept of a "good divorce" and how Grace herself coined the term, the practical ways Sarah kept her daughter's well-being front and center, and how she built her compartmentalization muscle to manage big emotions. We also talk about how to put together a co-parenting plan, what to do when your ex isn’t cooperative, how small details (like family photos around the house) matter to kids, and how to envision a new future for yourself post-divorce. Sarah’s story is full of hope and concrete advice—her book is an amazing resource for anyone navigating divorce or co-parenting and wanting to do it in a way that feels healthy and positive for their kids.
#301 Transforming Grief and Breakups Through Daily Affirmations with Michelle Maros
In today's expert episode, I'm joined by Michelle Maros, founder of Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, who just released her new book, Dear Friend: Daily Notes for Contemplation, Connection and Clarity. We dive into the misconceptions and real challenges around affirmations, why hearing supportive words from a friend lands so differently, and how self-compassion and self-trust don't just arrive overnight but are truly muscles we build over time. Michelle Maros shares honestly about her own healing experiences—from grieving her dad at 21 to navigating a tough breakup in her 20s—and how the tiniest daily habits (even something as simple as a morning cup of coffee) helped her move forward. We talk about embracing life’s ups and downs, the power of celebrating small victories, and letting go of the idea that healing has a big finish line. If you’ve ever struggled to trust yourself after heartbreak or felt stuck in the "shoulds," you’ll find so much to connect with here. Plus, we chat about how Dear Friend is designed to be your daily companion and source of hope on the healing journey.
#300 Managing Anxiety and Breakup Burnout with Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein
In today’s expert episode I’m joined by Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein, a licensed psychologist and wellness consultant who specializes in anxiety and burnout. I was drawn to her unique perspective on anxiety—not as something to “fix,” but as a deeper internal experience that we can learn to navigate with curiosity and compassion. We dive into how anxiety and burnout show up during breakups, why it’s totally normal to feel chaotic and out of control, and how masking our true feelings can be both a helpful tool and a source of long-term exhaustion. Dr. Carolyn shares practical ways to support yourself, compartmentalize the pain while still working through it, and gently poke your head out of those ruminating cycles. We also talk breakup burnout, the power of rituals, and why being kind to yourself is the most important tool you can use. If anxiety during a breakup makes you feel like something’s wrong with you, this episode is a must—so many validating reminders that you’re human and this too shall pass.
#299 How Keeping Secrets Sabotages Your Breakup Recovery
In today’s solo episode, I’m diving into the topic of secrets and their role in breakups. I explore why we tend to keep certain things hidden after a breakup—whether it's to save face, avoid embarrassment, or keep the door open for a possible reconciliation—and why this is ultimately harmful to our healing. I share some personal experiences from my recovery journey, talk about how secrecy breeds shame and isolation, and offer practical advice on how to start opening up to trusted people in your life. Whether you’re struggling to admit what you put up with or afraid to say out loud what really happened, this episode is all about encouraging you to let go of those secrets so you can truly heal your heartbreak.
#298 The Five Habits of Hope with Dr. Julia Garcia
In today’s expert episode, I’m joined by Dr. Julia Garcia, psychologist and author of the new book The Five Habits of Hope. We talk about how hope can be a real tool for growth and healing, rather than just a personality trait or toxic positivity. Dr. Julia shares her own personal struggles—from early heartbreak to grappling with addiction and self-worth—and how she discovered resilience through hope. We dive into the five habits of hope she outlines in her book, practical exercises you can try right away, and how to process difficult emotions without getting stuck. We also discuss why hope isn’t about attaching your worth to someone else or an external outcome, and how to lean on others and even “borrow hope” when you need it most. If you’re feeling hopeless during heartbreak, this episode will give you strategies and validation, and maybe even a path forward.
#297 How Romcoms Gave Us Unrealistic Breakup Expectations
In today’s solo episode, I’m diving deep into a topic that’s come up a lot in the background of other episodes, but today I’m bringing it all together—what romcoms got wrong about breakups and relationships. I talk through five major themes that 90s and early 2000s romantic comedies sold us—like the myth of the “one that got away,” why fighting isn’t proof of love, the trope of getting back with toxic exes, finding your soulmate right after a breakup, and the classic “revenge glow-up.” I share examples from some of my all-time favorite movies, break down why these storylines gave us such unrealistic expectations, and offer my thoughts on how these narratives impact our healing after a breakup. If you grew up watching these films and ever compared your breakup story to a romcom, this episode is for you!
#296 Navigating In-Law Dynamics and Boundaries with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Dr. Tracy Dalgleish about her brand new book You, Your Husband, and His Mother. We dive into the impact of outside influences—especially in-laws—on relationships, and why these dynamics can so often lead to breakdowns. Dr. Tracy shares insights from her work as a couples therapist, including her five-step Vault Method for protecting your partnership and setting effective boundaries. We discuss the misconceptions around boundaries, the importance of getting on the same team with your partner, and specific strategies for dating with these issues in mind. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s struggled with in-law relationships in the past, or who wants to lay a stronger foundation in future partnerships.
#295 How Detachment Can Transform Your Breakup Recovery with Sabrina Bendory
In today’s expert episode, I’m joined by relationship and confidence coach Sabrina Bendory, host of the "You Will Be Okay" podcast and author of the new book Detached. We dive deep into the meaning of detachment—what it actually is, common misconceptions about it (hint: it’s not emotional shutdown!), and why learning to detach from outcomes is a crucial life skill, especially after heartbreak. Sabrina Bendory shares practical tips, writing exercises, and personal stories, including how to detach from an ex and ways to approach dating with a healthy, detached mindset. We also talk about how to be kind to yourself during the grief of a breakup, how to identify what needs you’re trying to fill post-breakup, and how detachment can help you build real self-worth. If you struggle with moving on or want to heal and grow after a breakup, you’ll get so much from this episode.
#294 Navigating Anxious and Avoidant Attachments with Julie Mennano
In today's expert episode, I'm interviewing Julie Mennano, who you might know from her Secure Love podcast or her super insightful Instagram account @thesecurerelationship. Julie is an attachment expert and the author of Secure Love, and in this episode we tackle all things attachment theory—especially how it relates to breakups and healing. We dive deep into the anxious-avoidant dynamic, the misconceptions so many of us have around avoidant partners, and why those relationships aren't necessarily doomed. Julie shares her unique perspective on taking accountability after heartbreak without falling into self-blame, how to build self-trust for future relationships, and explains how negative cycles erode intimacy. We also talk about why labeling attachment styles can be helpful—but sometimes overdone. If you've ever wondered how to make sense of your breakup through the lens of attachment or want to set yourself up for a healthier relationship next time, this episode is a must-listen.
#293 How to Feel Safe in Relationships with Jessica Baum
In today’s episode, I’m welcoming back Jessica Baum, licensed mental health counselor, relationship expert, and author of the new book Safe (out today!). We dive into what it truly means to feel safe in relationships, why so many of us struggle with this, and how our attachment styles play a huge role—whether we lean anxious, avoidant, or somewhere in between. Jessica breaks down the origins of our attachment styles and offers insight into how we can gradually heal, especially after heartbreak. We discuss the power of finding anchors—safe, supportive people outside of romantic relationships—and how real healing happens in connection, not isolation. This is an episode packed with hope, practical tips, and so much validation for anyone rebuilding after a breakup or looking to feel safe and secure in future relationships. To get the free gifts we talk about in the interview head to this link: https://jessicabaumlmhc.com/safe
