Just Me #26: Hard Truths | Trauma, False Accusations, Flat Earth Logic & Your Questions

Just Me #26: Hard Truths | Trauma, False Accusations, Flat Earth Logic & Your Questions

In this episode of Just Me, I’m tackling some of the toughest questions you’ve sent my way.   What do you do when someone spreads lies about you? Should you fight to clear your name, or is there a point where your actions have to speak louder than your words? How do you know the difference between strength and surrender?   I also respond to a powerful listener email from a woman whose childhood trauma has led to destructive patterns in her marriage. We talk about the difference between understanding why we behave a certain way and actually changing that behavior, why trauma deserves compassion but isn’t a free pass for hurting others, and why empathy has to flow both ways if a relationship is going to survive.   Along the way, I answer your questions about professional wrestling, the biggest misconceptions about the business, my legal career, success, faith, my favorite Sacramento hidden gems, podcast guests who’ve surprised me the most, and much more.   I also revisit the Flat Earth discussion, explain the difference between a contradiction and a hypothetical concession, and break down why those distinctions matter when evaluating arguments.   If you enjoy honest conversations, practical advice, and thoughtful discussion without pulling punches, this episode is for you.   Topics include:   * Defending your reputation vs. letting your character speak   * False accusations and broken friendships   * Trauma, accountability, and empathy in relationships   * Why explanations are not excuses   * Flat Earth arguments and logical reasoning   * Wrestling, law, faith, Sacramento, and listener Q&A   If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who might benefit from the conversation.   Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Robin Stern, Ph.D.: The Truth About Gaslighting, Emotional Manipulation, and Why You Doubt Yourself

Gaslighting has become one of the most talked-about psychological terms of the modern era—but what does it actually mean, and how can you tell the difference between a disagreement, a different perspective, and true emotional manipulation?   In this episode of The Edlow Podcast, I sit down with Robin Stern, Ph.D., psychoanalyst, educator, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and author of the groundbreaking book The Gaslight Effect. For nearly two decades, Dr. Stern has been one of the leading voices helping people understand the dynamics of gaslighting and how it can slowly erode a person’s confidence, trust in themselves, and sense of reality.   Robin explains why she devoted her career to studying gaslighting, how the phenomenon works, and the powerful concept she calls the “Gaslight Tango”—the dynamic relationship between the gaslighter and the gaslightee that allows manipulation to take hold over time.   We also discuss one of the most common questions people ask: “Am I really the problem, or am I being gaslit?” Robin shares practical insights for recognizing the warning signs, understanding when differing perceptions cross the line into manipulation, and breaking free from unhealthy relational patterns.   The conversation also explores the growing role of gaslighting in our digital world, including Robin’s work with Facebook and Google, and why finding credible, evidence-based information about gaslighting is more important than ever.   Topics Include:   • Why Robin Stern dedicated her career to studying gaslighting • What gaslighting is—and what it is not • Understanding the “Gaslight Tango” • The roles of the gaslighter and the gaslightee • How to tell the difference between disagreement and manipulation • When differing perceptions become gaslighting • The psychological effects of being gaslit • Why victims often feel compelled to prove their gaslighter wrong • Gaslighting in relationships, culture, and social media • Robin’s work with Facebook and Google • Common misconceptions about gaslighting • The best sources for accurate information on the subject • How to begin recovering and rebuilding trust in yourself   Whether you’ve experienced gaslighting firsthand, know someone who has, or simply want a deeper understanding of one of psychology’s most misunderstood concepts, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of the world’s foremost experts on the subject.

Mark Holton: The Art of Character Acting, Hollywood Friendships, and Why Faith & Family Matter Most

Mark Holton’s life and career are proof that sometimes the most memorable people in Hollywood aren’t the leading men—they’re the character actors who leave an unforgettable impression.   In this episode of The Edlow Podcast, Mark shares an incredible journey that took him from Oklahoma to Hollywood, where he became known for iconic roles in films like Teen Wolf, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, and A League of Their Own. Along the way, he experienced unexpected opportunities, lifelong friendships, professional challenges, and what he believes was divine intervention guiding his path.   Topics Include:   • Growing up in Oklahoma and discovering a love for theater   • Being inspired by the incredible performers he saw on Broadway   • Moving to Los Angeles and working in casting on the Paramount lot   • Breaking into the industry through commercial work   • Behind-the-scenes stories from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure   • Why character actors are often remembered longer than leading men   • The role faith and divine intervention played in his acting career   • Difficult experiences while filming Gacy and choosing not to quit for the sake of the crew   • Running lines with Penny Marshall on her front porch before playing Adult Stillwell in A League of Their Own   • Michael J. Fox advocating for him to receive a larger role in Teen Wolf   • Reconnecting with God and faith later in life   • His genuine friendship with Paul Reubens beyond the spotlight   • Lessons learned from a lifetime in Hollywood   • Why faith and family ultimately matter more than fame   This is a heartfelt conversation filled with Hollywood history, inspiring stories, personal faith, lasting friendships, and the perspective that comes from a life well lived.

Faith, Facts & Hard Questions | Jasmin Rappleye on Joseph Smith, Prophets, and Finding Truth

What happens when deep scholarship and deep faith collide?   In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with Jasmin Rappleye to discuss some of the most challenging and important questions facing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.   Raised in a home where scripture study was more than just a routine, Jasmin shares how her upbringing—guided by a seminary teacher mother who encouraged thoughtful engagement with the scriptures—helped shape her lifelong love of learning and faith. We explore her personal journey through difficult questions, the role of spiritual experiences in developing testimony, and how she has learned to balance academic research with discipleship.   Jasmin holds a degree in Far East Studies from Brigham Young University and has worked with both Scripture Central and Ancient America Foundation. Today, she creates content dedicated to bringing faithful clarity to controversial issues within the LDS faith and serves as the host of the Informed Saints Podcast.   During our conversation, we tackle questions such as:   • Does doctrine change?   • Was Joseph Smith really a polygamist?   • How should members understand prophetic leadership?   • What can ancient texts teach us about modern scripture?   • How do we balance spiritual witnesses with academic evidence?   • What is it like to walk through faith crises and hard questions while remaining committed to Christ?   We also discuss Jasmin’s travels to Jerusalem, how understanding the ancient world can transform the way we read scripture, and the ongoing challenge of balancing motherhood, family life, and a career dedicated to religious research and education.   Whether you’re wrestling with difficult questions, seeking a deeper understanding of LDS history and doctrine, or simply looking for an honest conversation about faith, this episode offers thoughtful insights, practical wisdom, and hope for anyone navigating the intersection of scholarship and testimony.   Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Two Divorces, One Savior: How the Atonement Continues to Heal - the Michael Gregson Story

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan?   In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Michael Gregson shares his journey through trauma, heartbreak, addiction, recovery, and ultimately healing through Jesus Christ. From the pain of enduring two divorces to the loneliness of being separated from his children, Michael opens up about some of life’s most difficult moments and the lessons he learned while walking through them.   We discuss the reality of addiction, the courage it took to enter rehab, and the ongoing journey of sobriety. Michael shares how he learned to challenge the stories he was telling himself, find peace after years of anger, and begin loving himself through the eyes of a Savior who never gave up on him.   Most importantly, we explore the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ—not as a one-time event, but as a daily source of strength, grace, and transformation. Michael reflects on the blessings that have come from his trials, the unconditional love of the Savior, and how Christ’s healing influence continues to work in his life today.   Now a life coach, Michael uses his experiences to help others navigate trauma, recovery, self-worth, and personal growth, offering hope to those who may feel stuck, broken, or alone.   This is a conversation about redemption, resilience, and discovering that your story isn’t over—even when life feels shattered.   Topics Discussed:   * Healing from trauma   * Surviving two divorces   * Coping with separation from your children   * Addiction, rehab, and sobriety   * The healing power of the Atonement   * Finding blessings in life’s hardest seasons   * Learning to love yourself   * Changing the story you tell yourself   * Finding peace after anger and resentment   * The unconditional love of Jesus Christ   * Michael’s journey to becoming a life coach   * Hope, healing, and second chances   Two Divorces, One Savior: How the Atonement Continues to Heal — The Michael Gregson Story    Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.