Are You an Empath… or Just Overwhelmed? 10 Signs + How to Protect Your Energy

How to Stop Bullying Yourself | Trauma, Self-Criticism & Healing

Hello Beautiful Human, In this episode of The Expanding Soul, we dive deep into the psychology of self-criticism, trauma, perfectionism, and the inner voice that constantly tells so many of us we’re not enough. Why are some people so hard on themselves?Why does self-compassion feel uncomfortable — or even unsafe?And why can your own thoughts put your nervous system into survival mode? We explore how childhood experiences, emotional conditioning, shame, perfectionism, and trauma can rewire the way we speak to ourselves internally — turning self-attack into a learned survival mechanism. This episode covers: * The psychology of the inner critic * Trauma and nervous system conditioning * Why perfectionism is often fear disguised as discipline * The difference between accountability and toxic shame * Why self-compassion can feel threatening * How healing begins by changing your relationship with yourself * The spiritual dimension of self-hatred and awareness If you’ve ever felt emotionally exhausted from your own mind…this episode is for you. Love, Kristen References / Helpful Info: Sharon Martin, LCSW. “How I Transformed My Self-Criticism into Self-Love.” Psych Central, 13 Feb. 2020, https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2020/02/how-i-transformed-my-self-criticism-into-self-love#Criticism-stems-from-unrealistic-expectations [https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2020/02/how-i-transformed-my-self-criticism-into-self-love#Criticism-stems-from-unrealistic-expectations] “PMC11916919.” PubMed Central (PMC), National Library of Medicine, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11916919/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11916919/] “Self-Criticism Can Be Psychologically Devastating: How to Overcome It.” U.S. News & World Report, 17 Mar. 2016, https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-03-17/self-criticism-can-be-psychologically-devastating-how-to-overcome-it [https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-03-17/self-criticism-can-be-psychologically-devastating-how-to-overcome-it] “The Psychology Behind Highly Critical and Judgmental Individuals.” LifeWorks AZ, https://www.lifeworksaz.com/counselors-blog/2025/01/the-psychology-behind-highly-critical-and-judgmental-individuals/ [https://www.lifeworksaz.com/counselors-blog/2025/01/the-psychology-behind-highly-critical-and-judgmental-individuals/]

Emotional Intelligence: The Skill That Changes Everything

Hello Fellow Expanding Soul, Why do we overreact sometimes… even when we know better? In this episode of The Expanding Soul, we’re diving deep into emotional intelligence, nervous system responses, emotional triggers, self-awareness, emotional regulation, healing, and why so many of our reactions happen automatically. This episode explores: * What emotional intelligence really is * Why your nervous system reacts before you think * Emotional triggers and subconscious patterns * How to stop reacting on autopilot * Self-awareness and emotional regulation * How childhood experiences shape emotional responses * The difference between suppression and regulation * Practical ways to improve emotional intelligence * Healing emotional patterns and building healthier relationships If you’ve ever wondered:“Why do I react this way?”“Why do small things feel overwhelming?”“Why do I shut down, overthink, or get defensive?”This conversation is for you. This is a grounded, compassionate look at emotional intelligence through psychology, self-growth, nervous system awareness, and healing. I'm so glad you're here. Love, Kristen References: “Emotional Intelligence.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, Psychology Today – Emotional Intelligence [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/emotional-intelligence?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Accessed 8 May 2026. Gilar-Corbi, Raquel, et al. “Can Emotional Competence Be Taught in Higher Education? A Randomized Experimental Study of an Emotional Intelligence Training Program Using a Multimethodological Approach.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 9, 2018, PMC Article – Emotional Intelligence Training Study [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5981239/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Accessed 8 May 2026. “What Are the Components of Emotional Intelligence?” Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Harvard University, Harvard DCE – Emotional Intelligence Components [https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-improve-your-emotional-intelligence/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#What-Are-the-Components-of-Emotional-Intelligence]. Accessed 8 May 2026.

Why Time Feels Faster As You Get Older | Science, Psychology & The Universe Explained

Hi Friend, What is time… really? Why does childhood feel endless… while adulthood seems to disappear in the blink of an eye? Why do joyful moments pass so quickly, while painful ones seem to last forever? And is time actually as fixed as we think it is? In this episode of The Expanding Soul, I'm exploring the science of time, Einstein’s theory of relativity, spacetime, memory, perception, and the psychology behind why life feels faster as we get older. We talk about: • The science of time and spacetime • How gravity and speed affect time • Why time is relative • Why childhood feels longer than adulthood • How your brain experiences time • Why routines make life feel faster • The connection between memory, emotion, and perception • How to create a life that feels fuller and more meaningful This episode blends science, psychology, philosophy, and spirituality into a grounded conversation about what it really means to experience time as a human being. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast… this episode is for you. If you enjoy conversations about healing, growth, consciousness, science, spirituality, emotional intelligence, and the mysteries of the universe — make sure to follow The Expanding Soul for new episodes every week. Love, Kristen References: Einstein Online. “Does Time Pass at the Same Rate for Everyone?” Stanford University, https://einstein.stanford.edu/content/relativity/q411.html [https://einstein.stanford.edu/content/relativity/q411.html]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Department of Energy Office of Science. “DOE Explains... Relativity.” U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsrelativity [https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsrelativity]. Accessed 7 May 2026. University of California, Berkeley. “Why Are Tatooine Planets Rare? Blame General Relativity.” UC Berkeley News, 30 Jan. 2026, https://news.berkeley.edu/2026/01/30/why-are-tatooine-planets-rare-blame-general-relativity/#:~:text=Based%20on%20dynamic%20modeling%2C%20general,by%20one%20of%20the%20stars [https://news.berkeley.edu/2026/01/30/why-are-tatooine-planets-rare-blame-general-relativity/#:~:text=Based%20on%20dynamic%20modeling%2C%20general,by%20one%20of%20the%20stars]. Accessed 7 May 2026. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. “What Happens When Something Gets Too Close to a Black Hole?” NASA Science, https://science.nasa.gov/universe/what-happens-when-something-gets-too-close-to-a-black-hole/ [https://science.nasa.gov/universe/what-happens-when-something-gets-too-close-to-a-black-hole/]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Wang, Jing, et al. “Time Perception and the Human Brain.” National Library of Medicine, PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11336052/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11336052/]. Accessed 7 May 2026. McGovern Institute for Brain Research. “Tracking Time in the Brain.” Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Sept. 2021, https://mcgovern.mit.edu/2021/09/15/tracking-time-in-the-brain/ [https://mcgovern.mit.edu/2021/09/15/tracking-time-in-the-brain/]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Wittmann, Marc. “The Inner Experience of Time.” National Library of Medicine, PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4830363/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4830363/]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Burkeman, Oliver. “How to Alter the Passage of Time to Feel Fast or Slow.” Psyche, https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-alter-the-passage-of-time-to-feel-fast-or-slow [https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-alter-the-passage-of-time-to-feel-fast-or-slow]. Accessed 7 May 2026. Greater Good Magazine. “How to Feel Like You Have More Time.” Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_feel_like_you_have_more_time [https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_feel_like_you_have_more_time]. Accessed 7 May 2026.

The Life Lessons That Changed How I See Time, Healing & the Universe

Hey Friend, In this deeply personal episode of The Expanding Soul, I’m sharing some of the most powerful life lessons I’ve learned so far - through healing, loss, growth, and self-discovery. We talk about the reality of time, how to stop dwelling on the past, and why there’s a quiet urgency to becoming who you’re meant to be. I open up about grief, losing my dad, and what it taught me about life, death, and not losing yourself in the process. We also explore mindset and personal growth—how your thoughts shape your reality, why you’re not limited by your past, and how you can do things you once believed were impossible. Plus, we zoom all the way out into the universe—talking about how small we are in the grand scheme of existence, why we’re likely not alone, and how everything in the universe (including you) is connected. This episode is for anyone navigating healing, searching for meaning, or trying to grow into the next version of themselves. ✨ Topics covered: * Life lessons and personal growth * Healing from grief and loss * Mindset and changing your reality * Letting go of toxic relationships * Finding your people and building connection * The universe, time, and existence * Self-care and prioritizing your well-being If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review - it truly helps support the podcast 💛 Love, Kristen

Are You an Empath… or Just Overwhelmed? 10 Signs + How to Protect Your Energy

Hello Gorgeous, Are you an empath… or just emotionally overwhelmed? In this episode of The Expanding Soul, we explore what it really means to be an empath, the signs you might be one, and how to protect your energy without shutting your heart down. If you’ve ever felt like you absorb other people’s emotions, feel drained after social interactions, or experience intense feelings that don’t seem like your own—this episode is for you. We’ll break down:✨ What empathy vs. being an empath really means✨ 10 signs you might be an empath✨ Why you feel overwhelmed by other people’s energy✨ How to set healthy emotional boundaries✨ Simple ways to protect your energy and find balance Plus, we’ll walk through a powerful journaling exercise and a calming reset to help you reconnect with your own energy. Remember—being sensitive is not a weakness. When you learn how to protect your energy, it can become your greatest strength. 🎧 Listen now and start embracing your empath abilities in a healthy, empowering way. Love, Kristen