When ‘Independence’ Becomes Armor

When ‘Independence’ Becomes Armor

Episode 123: “When ‘Independence’ Becomes Armor” When people let us down, it can feel empowering to say, “I’m becoming more independent” or “I’m setting better boundaries.” And sometimes that’s exactly what’s happening. But sometimes, what we call independence is actually grief. What we call boundaries is actually bitterness. And what we call self-protection is slowly becoming self-isolation. In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore how disappointment can harden into guardedness, why the COVID years and social media may have intensified this pattern, and how to move from rebellion and resentment into healthier discernment, connection, and self-trust. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Circling Back to the 12 Mis-steps

Episode 122: Circling Back to the 12 Mis-steps This week, Staying Power welcomes back K’ai Roberts Fu, speaker and author of the newly-released “12 Mis-steps: How Twelve-Step Programs Trip Up Trauma Survivors." In a wide ranging conversation about the book and about her life since her last visit to the show (Episode 063), K’ai shares her journey to finishing and releasing the book, along with important insights about herself and about public and professional responses to her vocal critique of the harm twelve-step programs can inflict on trauma survivors. Her book, endorsed by prominent authors and experts including Dr. Aimie Apigian, Lance Dodes, Johann Hari, and Maia Szalavitz, is finding its audience, and for good reason – because it resonates with the experiences of many trauma survivors and the therapists seeking to help them. You can become part of that audience and join a conversation that is only going to get bigger… After listening to the conversation, hop over to Amazon and order your own copy – and you can even read an extended sample before doing so: https://a.co/d/00b0IqJI And to connect with K’ai yourself, be sure to follow her on social media: -Website: https://kairobertsfu.com/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kairobertsfuauthor12missteps/ -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kairobertsfu/ Lastly, be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Why We Hold Ourselves Back

Episode 121: “Why We Hold Ourselves Back” What if the biggest limits in your life aren’t external — but internal? In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore the science behind scarcity and abundance mindsets, and why our brains are wired to play it safe — often at the cost of growth. Drawing from neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and performance research, they unpack how past experiences shape our sense of what’s possible, why we self-sabotage, and how to expand our thinking in grounded, practical ways. Because abundance isn’t about wishful thinking — it’s about changing what you see, what you attempt, and what you allow. Be sure to visit our sponsor, the amazing people at parsrenovation.com! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

What Irritates You...Might Be You

Episode 120: What Irritates You...Might Be You Why do certain people get under our skin so easily? In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore the psychology behind our negative reactions to others — and how those reactions often reflect something within ourselves. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative traditions, they unpack projection, conditioning, and emotional triggers — and how learning to recognize them can lead to greater self-awareness, compassion, and growth. Because sometimes the fastest way to understand yourself… is to notice what bothers you about someone else. And be sure to check out the fine work done by our sponsor, Pars Revive Renovation! https://parsrenovation.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Power of Saying Goodbye

Episode 119: The Power of Saying Goodbye Goodbyes come in many forms — sudden loss, long illness, the end of a relationship, or even the quiet realization that a part of ourselves no longer fits. In this episode of Staying Power, Ashley and JD explore the emotional and neurological reality of saying goodbye. Why is it so hard? Why do we sometimes avoid it? And what gifts can emerge when we allow ourselves to fully experience endings? Drawing from neuroscience, grief research, and lived experience, they reflect on how goodbyes shape identity, deepen meaning, and ultimately make room for growth. Because every ending… carries something forward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].