Breaking Formation

Topic 9: The Friendship Drift Why We Lose Friends & How to Cope

Are your friendships changing as you grow older? In this episode of Breaking Formation, we dive deep into the evolving nature of friendships and how to figure out who your true friends really are. Join retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and child psychotherapist Shea Phinney as they explore the complexities of relationships across different stages of life. From the playground to adulthood, friendships flow like water with tides that come and go. Merryl and Shea share relatable stories and expert insights on helping kids and young adults understand their personal values, set healthy boundaries, and figure out who belongs in their inner circle. Watch the full episode for actionable advice on dealing with changing friend groups, protecting your peace, and learning when to let kids navigate their own relationship battles. Subscribe to the channel so you never miss a conversation, and let us know your thoughts on true friendship in the comments below. Table of Contents: 00:00 - Navigating a rapidly changing world 03:02 - The evolving tides of friendships 09:02 - Aligning values and setting boundaries 18:10 - Acquaintances vs. true friends 23:51 - Letting kids figure out their own battles Connect with Breaking Formation: Subscribe to our channel on YouTube: Breaking Formation - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfIUAA6F-crQTZ2o-Pmrvtw] for more weekly episodes. Follow us on social media to join the community conversation. #BreakingFormation #Friendships #TrueFriends #Relationships #Boundaries ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Topic 8: The College Question

The traditional path of going to school, getting a degree, and working for 30 years before retiring is rapidly shifting. In this episode of Breaking Formation, we explore the profound impact of AI on traditional career paths and how young adults can navigate unprecedented workforce changes. Merryl Tengesdal and child psychotherapist Shea Phinney sit down to discuss why flexibility and creativity are now essential components of modern career planning. They examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and share strategies to help young people prepare for an unpredictable future. From developing primary, secondary, and tertiary career backup plans to understanding the massive value of junior colleges and trade certifications, this conversation provides a roadmap for adapting to tomorrow's job market. Discover how to build a resilient career strategy and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that can withstand technological disruptions. How are you and your family preparing for these shifts in the job market? Share your thoughts and pivot plans in the comments below! Watch the full video for actionable advice and tips on future-proofing your career, and subscribe to Breaking Formation for more weekly discussions on navigating life's biggest transitions. Table of Contents: 00:00 - The shift in traditional career paths 02:10 - AI's impact on the future workforce 08:49 - Building your career pivot plan 13:05 - The hidden value of junior colleges and trades 19:22 - Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset Connect with Breaking Formation: Subscribe to our channel to never miss an episode. Follow us on social media to join the conversation and access more resources. #breakingformation #careers #college #teens #youthdevelopment #subscribe #future #mindset #trades #juniorcollege ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Topic 7: Classroom Under Pressure

Dive into the reality of school safety, mental health, and digital identity in this episode of Breaking Formation. "Classroom Under Pressure" explores how shifting societal norms and active shooter drills impact the daily lives and focus of students. We sit down with retired Air Force colonel Merryl Tengesdal and resident child psychotherapist Shea Phinney to unpack the heavy burden placed on today's youth. They share expert insights on navigating modern educational environments safely and effectively. You will learn practical stress management techniques, including deep breathing and grounding exercises, to help regulate the nervous system after highly stressful events. We also cover the importance of establishing a clear safety plan and how to build muscle memory for handling tough situations. Watch the full video to discover actionable tools and tips to help you and your family navigate these complex challenges. Subscribe to the channel to join us as we continue breaking free from conventional thinking, and tune in next time when we discuss the transition to college. Table of Contents: 00:00 - Introduction to the topic 01:51 - Discussion on active shooter drills 28:37 - Techniques for nervous system regulation Connect with Breaking Formation: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more video podcasts. Breaking Formation - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingFormationPodcast/videos] Follow us on social media to join the conversation. #MentalHealth #SchoolSafety #BreakingFormation #StressManagement #DigitalIdentity ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Topic 6: Brain Spotting

In this episode of Breaking Formation, co-host Merryl Tengesdal becomes the "guinea pig" as licensed psychotherapist Shea Phinney demonstrates the powerful trauma technique known as Brain Spotting. We explore the fascinating science behind how our brains process information and why "where you look affects how you feel." Shea breaks down how trauma can get stuck in the subcortical brain—the survival center—and how using your field of vision can access and release unprocessed emotional pain. Merryl shares her personal experience during a live demo, opening up about the unique ability of pilots and first responders to compartmentalize and dissociate in high-stress environments. Whether you are struggling with past trauma or just curious about how your mind works, this episode offers a fascinating look into the body's ability to heal itself. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to join us as we break formation and forge new perspectives. In This Episode: 0:00 - Intro: Merryl Becomes the Guinea Pig 1:45 - Understanding How the Brain Processes Trauma 5:20 - What is Brain spotting? (The Science) 10:15 - Live Demo: Merryl Tries Brain spotting 18:30 - Merryl’s Reaction: From Anger to Relief 22:40 - The "Super Skill" of Dissociation in First Responders 27:00 - Why You Should Process Trauma Sooner Than Later Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. #breakingformation #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #teens #brainspotting #youthdevelopment #subscribe #subscribetomychannel ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Topic 5: The Reality Bubble...Who is Controlling Your Feed?

Ever feel like your social media feed knows exactly what you're thinking? It’s not magic—it’s math. In this episode of Breaking Formation, we dive deep into the invisible algorithms that curate your digital life and create what we call "reality bubbles." Join hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, as they uncover how these digital feedback loops shape your opinions, reinforce biases, and distort your perception of the world. Are you seeing the whole picture, or just what the algorithm wants you to see? We discuss the psychological impact of echo chambers on teens and young adults and share real-life stories about getting trapped in the scroll. Most importantly, we provide a flight plan for breaking out. Learn practical strategies to diversify your feed, spot algorithmic manipulation, and reclaim control over your online experience. Whether you're a parent worried about your child's digital diet or a young adult looking for clarity, this episode is your guide to staying grounded in a curated world. What’s the weirdest thing an algorithm has recommended to you? Let us know in the comments! 👍 Like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. In This Episode: 0:00 - Intro: Is Your Phone Reading Your Mind? 2:13 - How Algorithms Actually Work 5:35 - The Impact on Young Adults & Teens 8:06 - Understanding Echo Chambers & Reality Bubbles 11:18 - Personal Stories: Trapped in the Feed 22:15 - How Algorithms Influence Our Beliefs 26:11 - Expert Advice: Maintaining Perspective 30:31 - Strategies for Parents & Teens to Break the Bubble 33:51 - Taking Back Control of Your Digital Life #breakingformation #socialmedia #mentalhealth #echochamber #techpsycology #parenting #teens #onlinesafety ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.