The Do Tell Relationship Podcast

Episod

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  How to Build Healthier Relationships Without Losing Yourself 11.08.2026 57min

  How do you build healthier relationships—without losing yourself in the process?  Some of the most powerful conversations from this season of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast all pointed back to the same truth: the healthiest relationships begin with self-awareness. In this special compilation episode, Nina Westbrook brings together unforgettable moments from some of our favorite guests—including Codie Elaine Oliver, Felecia Hatcher, Jonathan McReynolds, Jordyn Simone, Devi Brown, Molly Shaheen & Huw Collins, George M. Johnson, and more—for one conversation about boundaries, communication, confidence, identity, and becoming the healthiest version of yourself. Whether you're navigating marriage, building a business with your partner, healing from burnout, learning to trust yourself, or simply trying to become more present in your everyday life, these conversations offer practical wisdom and deeply human reminders that growth is never a straight line. In this episode you'll hear conversations about: • Healthy boundaries that create deeper intimacy • Communicating with your partner during life's busiest seasons • Building a business without losing your marriage • Confidence vs. self-worth • Identity beyond achievement • Learning to speak up for your needs • Why authenticity creates deeper connection • Finding balance between ambition and presence Featuring conversations with: Codie Elaine Oliver - https://youtu.be/FGdKei9oxiE Felecia Hatcher - https://youtu.be/7Wj3dZxATOY Jonathan McReynolds - https://youtu.be/fyiz4MJ0ESQ Devi Brown - https://youtu.be/gTvEzcqwBZM Jordyn Simone - https://youtu.be/RykRaZ-vrKA Molly Shaheen & Huw Collins - https://youtu.be/NV8E6Vm815M George M. Johnson - https://youtu.be/NvVRNYc4Iik If you've recently discovered Do Tell, this is one of the best places to start. Subscribe for weekly conversations on relationships, mental health, personal growth, family, marriage, and living with greater intention. #Relationships #Boundaries #Marriage #Confidence #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Communication #NinaWestbrook #DoTellPodcast
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  Felecia Hatcher: Stop Shrinking and Step Into Your Zone of Genius 28.07.2026 58min

  Entrepreneur and Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher joins Nina Westbrook for a powerful conversation about self-trust, entrepreneurship, access and the courage to stop shrinking. After a high school guidance counselor told Felecia that college wasn't a realistic option, she found another path and earned more than $100,000 in scholarships. That experience became the foundation of a career devoted to creating opportunities for founders and communities that have historically been overlooked. Felecia discusses reframing imposter syndrome, protecting her energy as an introverted leader and refusing to dim her light to make a room more comfortable. She also opens up about building businesses with her husband, why entrepreneurial couples need therapy and working agreements, and the funding challenges facing Black founders. Plus, Felecia reveals what she wants from her next chapter, why her zone of genius changed her life and the hidden cost of neglecting the gifts that set your soul on fire.
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  Even Therapists Struggle With This One Thing 14.07.2026 19min

  Setting boundaries sounds simple... until you actually have to do it. In this solo episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Nina Westbrook breaks down why healthy boundaries feel so uncomfortable, how attachment styles influence the way we communicate our needs, and why guilt doesn't necessarily mean you're doing something wrong. Whether you struggle with people pleasing, resentment, difficult family dynamics, friendships, or romantic relationships, this episode offers practical tools for creating healthier, more secure connections. In this episode: -What boundaries actually are (and what they aren't) -Why boundaries aren't about controlling other people -How attachment styles affect boundary setting -Common myths that keep people stuck -Why people may react negatively when you start setting boundaries -How to communicate your needs without guilt -Why healthy boundaries actually create deeper intimacy   If this conversation helped you, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it.   #Boundaries #Relationships #MentalHealth #PeoplePleasing #AttachmentStyles #Therapy #SelfGrowth #NinaWestbrook #DoTellPodcast
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  Jonathan McReynolds on Ambition, Faith, and Coming Back Down to the Valley 16.06.2026 54min

  Grammy-winning artist, author, and professor Jonathan McReynolds joins Nina Westbrook for a deeply honest conversation about faith, ambition, creativity, depression, and the pressure to keep climbing even when life at the top feels lonely. Jonathan reflects on his childhood in church, the moment he realized music was less about talent and more about having something meaningful to say, and why his book Before You Climb Any Higher is a cautionary message for high achievers. He also opens up about the difference between naming your struggles and identifying with them, the importance of coming back down to "the valley," and why the next generation is demanding more authenticity from artists, teachers, and faith leaders. Plus, Jonathan shares the creative freedom behind his album Closer and plays Nina's Do Tell Card Game.  🔗 WATCH NEXT: 👉 Modern Dating Is the Wild West — Here's How to Survive It with Monique Kelley - https://youtu.be/hvnS_kfec7k 👉 Jada Paul on Identity, Motherhood, Ambition, and Building Something of Your Own - https://youtu.be/TCwqIveFG74 👉 The Cost of Being Fully Known | George M. Johnson on Identity, Healing & Banned Books - https://youtu.be/NvVRNYc4Iik 📩 Connect with us: Email: thedotellpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @ninawestbrook Download Nebbi: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nebbi-app/id6745851765
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  Rachel Cargle on Rest, Therapy & Why Black Women Deserve More Than Survival 02.06.2026 53min

  What happens when rest becomes a radical act? In this episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, Nina Westbrook sits down with author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the Loveland Foundation, Rachel Cargle. Rachel shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of the Loveland Foundation, how a birthday fundraiser evolved into a movement that has provided more than 200,000 hours of therapy for Black women and girls, and why access to culturally competent mental health care matters. Together, Nina and Rachel explore burnout, wellness culture, leadership, grief, community care, motherhood, purpose, representation in therapy, and what it means to build a life that prioritizes healing instead of constant productivity. This conversation is a powerful reminder that rest is not a reward. It's a necessity. 📌 In this episode: • The origin story of the Loveland Foundation  • Why representation in therapy matters  • The problem with commodified wellness • Leadership lessons from building a movement • Rest as a daily practice  • Grief, healing, and returning home • Building Elizabeth's Bookshop  • Why Rachel proudly claims the title of visionary   🔗 WATCH NEXT: 👉 Modern Dating Is the Wild West — Here's How to Survive It with Monique Kelley - https://youtu.be/hvnS_kfec7k 👉 Jada Paul on Identity, Motherhood, Ambition, and Building Something of Your Own - https://youtu.be/TCwqIveFG74 👉 The Cost of Being Fully Known | George M. Johnson on Identity, Healing & Banned Books - https://youtu.be/NvVRNYc4Iik   📩 Connect with us: Email: thedotellpodcast@gmail.com  Instagram: @ninawestbrook Download Nebbi: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nebbi-app/id6745851765 #RachelCargle #MentalHealth #BlackWomen #Therapy #SelfCare #Wellness #Leadership #DoTellPodcast #NinaWestbrook #LovelandFoundation
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  Jason Reynolds on Why Kids Don't Hate Books, They Hate Boredom 19.05.2026 1j 5min

  Author Jason Reynolds joins Nina Westbrook on the Do Tell Relationship Podcast for a powerful conversation about storytelling, Black boyhood, masculinity, literacy, AI, creativity, emotional expression, and the human experience behind great art. Jason shares why young people do not hate books, they hate boredom, and how representation in literature can shape identity, imagination, emotional vocabulary, and freedom. Nina and Jason also explore what happens when children do not see themselves reflected in the stories they are given, how masculinity can limit emotional expression, and why the process of becoming matters just as much as the outcome. This episode is for parents, educators, creatives, readers, athletes, and anyone thinking deeply about how we raise emotionally intelligent, imaginative, resilient young people. 🔗 WATCH NEXT: 👉 Modern Dating Is the Wild West — Here's How to Survive It with Monique Kelley - https://youtu.be/hvnS_kfec7k 👉 Jada Paul on Identity, Motherhood, Ambition, and Building Something of Your Own - https://youtu.be/TCwqIveFG74 👉 The Cost of Being Fully Known | George M. Johnson on Identity, Healing & Banned Books - https://youtu.be/NvVRNYc4Iik   📩 Connect with us: Email: thedotellpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @ninawestbrook Download Nebbi: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nebbi-app/id6745851765
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  The Truth About Love No One Talks About 05.05.2026 36min

  What if love isn't something you fall into—but something you practice? In this episode, Nina Westbrook sits down with Codie Elaine Oliver, founder of Black Love, to unpack the real work behind relationships. From dating struggles and societal narratives to building a marriage, business, and family simultaneously, Codie shares what it truly takes to love well. They explore vulnerability, communication, and the evolving nature of relationships—especially in seasons of growth, stress, and transition. This conversation is honest, layered, and necessary. This is not a surface-level conversation. It's about the truth of love: The hard seasons The uncomfortable questions The growth required to sustain it If you've ever questioned relationships, marriage, or what "love" actually requires… this one is for you.  WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why love is a skill, not just a feeling The truth about modern relationships and unrealistic expectations How to navigate marriage, business, and family simultaneously Why vulnerability and communication are essential What "survival mode" looks like in relationships—and how to move through it 📩 Connect with us: Email: thedotellpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @ninawestbrook & @dotellpodcast Download Nebbi: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nebbi-app/id6745851765  
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  The Cost of Being Fully Known | George M. Johnson on Identity, Healing & Banned Books 21.04.2026 56min

  What does it actually cost to be fully known? In this powerful episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, host Nina Westbrook sits down with bestselling author, activist, and Emmy-nominated producer George M. Johnson to explore identity, vulnerability, and the healing power of storytelling. From being labeled "different" as a child to becoming one of the most banned authors in America, George shares what it means to live authentically in a world that often tries to silence certain voices. This conversation dives deep into: The parts of ourselves we learn to hide early in life How storytelling becomes a tool for healing (for you and others) The emotional toll of censorship and banned books Why representation creates safety and empathy What it takes to move from shame → voice → freedom If you've ever felt like you had to shrink parts of who you are… this episode is for you. 📩 Connect with us: Email: thedotellpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @ninawestbrook
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  Sports Might Be the Mental Health Tool We're Missing 07.04.2026 35min

  This live-recorded episode flips the script—Nina Westbrook steps out of the host seat and into the conversation. Joined by Megan Bartlett, this episode explores how sports impact mental health, identity, and emotional development. From youth athletes to professionals, the conversation reveals how movement, community, and discipline shape our well-being—and where the system is falling short. If you've ever struggled with pressure, identity, or performance… this conversation connects the dots.
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  The Truth About Chasing Your Dreams in the Music Industry | Jordyn Simone 24.03.2026 50min

  What does it really take to build a career in music today? In this episode, Nina sits down with rising R&B artist Jordyn Simone to unpack the reality behind chasing big dreams—self-trust, authenticity, and navigating an industry that's constantly changing. From The Voice to building her own path, Jordyn shares how she's learning to balance artistry, identity, and ambition without losing herself in the process. This is a conversation about growth, resilience, and becoming who you're meant to be—before the world catches up.
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  Jada Paul on Identity, Motherhood, Ambition, and Building Something of Your Own 10.03.2026 48min

  In this episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, Nina sits down with her longtime friend Jada Paul for an honest and thoughtful conversation about identity, motherhood, ambition, and what it really feels like to build something of your own. On paper, Jada's life is filled with impact—entrepreneurship, philanthropy, board leadership, and raising a family alongside a high-profile NBA career. But behind the achievements is a much more nuanced story about invisible labor, self-doubt, sacrifice, and the ongoing process of building a life that feels authentic. Jada shares how she spent years creating stability for her family, what it felt like when her kids got older and she realized it was time to pursue something for herself, and how she's navigating the challenge of building a business while staying true to who she is. The conversation also dives into parenting teenagers, teaching sacrifice, philanthropy, and why success doesn't always quiet the voice inside asking if you're doing enough. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that even the most accomplished women are still figuring it out in real time. In this episode we discuss: • The invisible work of motherhood • Supporting a partner while building your own identity • Raising kids to understand sacrifice and responsibility • Philanthropy and creating impact beyond yourself • The pressure to constantly do more • Building a business without losing your authenticity
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  Modern Dating Is the Wild West — Here's How to Survive It with Monique Kelley 24.02.2026 53min

  If you've ever felt like you were supposed to have love figured out by now… this episode is for you. In this powerful, honest, and often hilarious conversation, Nina sits down with national dating expert, TV host, and author Monique Kelley (creator of Confessions of a Serial Dater in LA) to unpack what nobody tells you about modern dating. From dating apps and "chat fishing" to inconsistency, financial expectations, situationships, and rebuilding after divorce — this episode dives into the emotional realities of love in 2026. Monique brings real insight from her work hosting Married at First Sight: Cast Tell All, her Cocktails & Confessions coaching events, and her novel Reality and Chaos (currently being optioned for television).This isn't surface-level dating advice. This is about healing, discernment, green flags, and having the courage to reflect on your own patterns. If you're dating in the wild, rebuilding after heartbreak, or questioning what you truly want in a partner — press play.🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why inconsistency is the real red flag How social media is sabotaging modern dating Why "stop looking and love will find you" is terrible advice The importance of self-reflection in your dating patterns How to identify green flags early The difference between chemistry and compatibility How friendships carry you through heartbreak Why your dating journey is customized — not copy/paste💌 WORK WITH MONIQUE Follow Monique: @CocktailsAndConfessions Book: Reality and Chaos (Amazon & Barnes & Noble) Coaching: DM her on Instagram for Cocktails & Confessions coaching
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  Eastern Medicine, Emotional Health & the Truth About Aging | Dr. Jenelle Kim 10.02.2026 49min

  In this powerful and deeply grounding episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, host Nina Westbrook sits down with Dr. Jenelle Kim—a 9th-generation doctor of Traditional Oriental Medicine, master herbalist, and founder of JBK Wellness Labs—for a wide-ranging conversation on aging, emotional health, and true longevity. Together, Nina and Dr. Kim unpack what's really happening in our bodies as we age, why wellness trends like GLP-1 medications and quick fixes often miss the bigger picture, and how Eastern medicine views vitality as a whole-life practice, not a single product or protocol. This episode dives into: Menopause, perimenopause, and hormonal balance Emotional clarity and how stress shows up physically The difference between connection and unhealthy attachment Why breathwork and movement are powerful medicine How small, daily habits create long-term vitality Eastern vs. Western perspectives on aging and wellness Dr. Kim also shares her deeply personal philosophy around detachment, energy, and emotional freedom, along with a simple breathwork practice you can use anywhere—before a meeting, during family gatherings, or in moments of stress. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by wellness advice, unsure where to start, or curious how ancient wisdom can support modern life, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, informed, and empowered. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and walk through it.
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  Menopause Isn't the End — It's a New Beginning | Dr. Jessica Shepherd 27.01.2026 59min

  Welcome back to a brand-new year of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast. To kick off 2026, Nina Westbrook opens the year with a powerful, honest, and deeply needed conversation about perimenopause, menopause, self-advocacy, relationships, and redefining what it means to thrive in midlife. Joining Nina is Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OB-GYN, women's health advocate, and Chief Medical Officer at Hers. With both an MD and an MBA, Dr. Shepherd brings a rare perspective that bridges clinical care, systems-level healthcare change, and real-life lived experience. In this episode, we unpack: 📍 Why menopause is not an ending — but a powerful new beginning 📍 The neurological, hormonal, emotional, and relational shifts women experience in perimenopause 📍 How stigma, silence, and outdated narratives still shape women's healthcare 📍 What women can do right now to advocate for themselves with doctors and partners 📍 How menopause impacts intimacy, libido, and relationships — and what actually helps 📍 Why communication, curiosity, and clarity are essential tools for this season of life 📍 Dr. Shepherd also shares insights from her book Generation M, and explains how women can stop dismissing their symptoms, stop blaming themselves, and start getting the support they deserve. If you've ever felt confused, dismissed, overwhelmed, or alone navigating changes in your body — this conversation is for you. Take a deep breath, unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders… and let's get into it. 📚 Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause - https://amzn.to/3LRQPCE 📩 Stay connectedEmail: dotellpodcast@gmail.com 🎙 Connect with Nina & Do TellFollow Nina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninawestbrook/Follow Do Tell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dotellpodcast/
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  Healing Isn't Pretty: Daily Devotion, Boundaries & Choosing Peace (with Devi Brown) 13.01.2026 50min

  Healing gets talked about a lot… but doing the work is where things get real.In this episode of the Do Tell Relationship Podcast, Nina Westbrook sits down with Devi Brown—master well-being educator, multidisciplinary healer, author, and founder of Devi Brown Well-Being. Devi shares what it actually means to live in wisdom, why healing is rarely neat, and how small daily choices (like breathwork, nervous system support, and non-performative time with your body) can radically shift how you show up in your relationships, parenting, and everyday life.You'll hear a powerful "Walk Away or Walk Through It" icebreaker on boundaries, emotional maturity in friendships, and protecting your values—plus a real conversation about the modern "always-on" mindset, comparison, and why inner work is the foundation for real peace.In this episode, we cover:📍 How to reinforce boundaries with grace (without over-explaining)📍 When to walk away from emotionally draining dynamics📍 Why comparison is a waste of your gifts (and your timing)📍 How the "always producing" lifestyle impacts mind + body📍 The importance of slowing down, boredom, and reclaiming an analog life📍 Parenting with intuition: seeing your children for who they are📍 Practical wellness starting points: labs, vitamin deficiencies, breathwork, and body connection📍 A tangible tool you can start today: box breathing + deep belly breathing (nasal breathing)Guest: Devi Brown  @DeviBrownWell-Being  Author of Living in Wisdom + Host of the Deeply Well Podcast
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  A'ja Wilson, Tamron Hall, Russell Westbrook & More — The Conversations That Moved Us 16.12.2025 1j 7min

  It's been an incredible season on Do Tell with Nina Westbrook! In this special end-of-year recap, Nina looks back at some of the most powerful, funny, and heartfelt moments from Season 3 — featuring inspiring guests like A'ja Wilson, Russell Westbrook, Tamron Hall, Ron Robinson, Sinead Bovell, Melody Ehsani, Dr. Raquel Martin, Neha Ruch, Latham Thomas, Etienne Maurice, Kennedy Ryan, Amber Lyon, and more. From conversations about self-worth, identity, motherhood, mental health, and love — to laughter, tears, and unforgettable "Do Tell" card moments — this episode celebrates the wisdom, vulnerability, and growth that defined Season 3. You'll hear: 💬 Russell's hilarious list of "Nina-isms" 💬 Dr. Raquel Martin's boundary masterclass 💬 A'ja Wilson on pressure, peace, and pink sneakers 💬 Kennedy Ryan inspiring women to stop settling 💬 Melody Ehsani redefining creativity and motherhood 💬 Sinead Bovell on AI, connection, and the future of humanity 💬 Amber Lyon's journey to self-worth and healing 💬 So many more moments of truth, humor, and heart. If you've been with us all season, thank you for being part of the Do Tell family. And if you're new — welcome to a space where honesty meets growth, and where every conversation reminds us we're all a work in progress. 👉 Watch the full recap to relive the best moments from Season 3. 👉 Catch every full episode linked below. 👉 Subscribe, like, and share so you never miss what's coming next.
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  Choosing Yourself, Regulating Your Nervous System & Becoming a Magnet for What You Want 02.12.2025 45min

  What if the thing that's really running your life isn't your to-do list or your goals… but your nervous system and your sense of worth?In this episode of Do Tell with Nina Westbrook, Nina sits down with writer, coach, and author Amber Lyon (You Are a Magnet) for a deep, honest conversation about self-worth, nervous system regulation, and what it actually means to become "magnetic" to the life you want. They talk about: ✳️ Growing up around addiction and low self-worth — and how those patterns quietly shape our own beliefs ✳️ Dating as a "battlefield" and the moment you stop waiting to be picked and start choosing yourself ✳️ Why your nervous system tells the truth long before your mind does ✳️ How to build presence in the middle of a busy, ambitious life (especially as a parent) ✳️ The hidden cost of staying the same and why life eventually "comes knocking" ✳️ What it truly means to be a magnet — beyond perfection, aesthetics, or "reinventing" yourself Amber shares simple, grounding micro-practices you can use today — no extra time required — to regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your body, and show up more fully for yourself and the people you love. If you've ever felt stuck in old patterns, exhausted from living in survival mode, or torn between your ambition and being present, this one will hit home. 👤 Connect with Amber Lyon Follow Amber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmind___/?hl=en Grab her book You Are a Magnet: https://a.co/d/8vdYO5T 🎙 Connect with Nina & Do Tell Follow Nina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninawestbrook/ Follow Do Tell on Instagram/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/dotellpodcast/ ▶️ Watch Next from Do Tell 📽️ Latham Thomas on Worthiness, Rest & Listening to Your Body – https://youtu.be/vdVkJkg4c-8 📽️ Trinity Mitchell: "Walk Away or Walk Through It" & Owning Your Story – https://youtu.be/pplfyighQQs 📽️ A'ja Wilson on Mental Health, Pressure & Protecting Your Peace – https://youtu.be/0cOLUl8unfs Watch more Do Tell episodes on YouTube
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  A'ja Wilson: From Anxiety to MVP—Authenticity, Brand Deals, and Doing It Her Way 18.11.2025 46min

  A'ja Wilson — WNBA champion & MVP, author of Dear Black Girls, founder of the A'ja Wilson Foundation, and entrepreneur (Burnt Wax Candle). We cover: mental health post-bubble, therapy, boundaries vs public expectations, NIL's upside and pressure, building authentic brand deals, designing a sell-out signature shoe, dyslexia advocacy, and what a "good life" actually looks like. Highlights Walk Away/Walk Through: burnout, toxic group chats, and Beyoncé-level opportunities "My peace is my spirit": separating work from joy without losing either NIL & the college experience: grace while your brand is still forming Authentic partnerships: why the right brands let her be fully herself Dear Black Girls: embracing complexity — powerful and gentle Dyslexia: getting certified support into classrooms; tech that helps Coaching: how Staley & Hammon built trust, fun, and excellence • Burnt Wax Candle: a scent line named after A'ja's accolades "Wealthy in more ways than money": stability across every cylinder Links Watch on YouTube: A'ja's book — Dear Black Girls - https://a.co/d/bw2eQj4 A'ja Wilson Foundation (dyslexia awareness) - https://www.ajawilsonfoundation.org/ Burnt Wax Candle Co. - https://www.burntwaxcandle.com/ Related Do Tell episodes Sinead Bovell — AI & digital boundaries: https://youtu.be/wnN7Yw2-Q34 Etienne Maurice — activism & community: https://youtu.be/0F4O8bkWm_g Latham Thomas — motherhood & intuition: https://youtu.be/vdVkJkg4c-8
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  Let People Be Who They Are: Boundaries, Grace, and Real Talk on Friendship 04.11.2025 56min

  Real talk on modern friendship. 👯‍♀️ Nina sits down with Trinity Mitchell (Friend Fusion) to unpack the "low-maintenance friend" myth and reframe it as self-sufficient friendships—connections rooted in honesty, effort, and healthy boundaries. From group-chat drama and ghosting to unspoken rules (don't share your friend's business!), they cover how to address conflict without chaos, offer grace without giving unlimited access, and let go with acceptance—not resentment.📚 You'll learn:· "Walk away or walk through it?"—a simple framework for sticky moments· Why self-sufficiency beats "low-maintenance" (and how to build it)· The difference between being cautious vs. being cold· How to invite clarity when a new friendship feels weird· Navigating values differences (religion, politics) without losing the friendship· Practical language for setting quiet boundaries and supporting friends well🎯 Who this helps: high-capacity women, moms building community, recovering people-pleasers, and anyone ready to upgrade their friendship toolkit.—Related Episodes (watch next)Neha Ruch on Motherhood & Identity — Mother Untitled: https://youtu.be/OFRfbhFoSmMSinead Bovell on Digital Boundaries & Tech + Human Connection: https://youtu.be/wnN7Yw2-Q34Latham Thomas on Community, Care, and the Village We Need: https://youtu.be/vdVkJkg4c-8
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  Boundaries, Co-Regulation & Real Connection: Nina Westbrook x Helen Marie 23.10.2025 53min

  What if our obsession with "boundaries" is actually making us lonelier? In this episode of Do Tell, Nina sits down with psychotherapist Helen Marie to unpack modern boundary culture, co-regulation, attachment, PTSD showing up around the holidays, and the healing power of rupture and repair. They explore the difference between capacity vs. desire in love, why love languages can mislead us, and a simple nervous system reset you can use anywhere (hand-on-chest ventral vagal cue). Whether you're a parent navigating the 0–7 window, a partner hoping to be seen, or someone heading into tricky family dynamics, this conversation is a gentle, practical roadmap back to connection. What you'll learn How therapists think through "walk away vs. walk through it" moments Why boundaries ≠ rigid rules (and what to do instead) A simple somatic regulation technique to exit fight/flight or shutdown How to spot capacity limits (even when desire is high) Why repair matters more than perfection in parenting & partnership Co-regulation and community as antidotes to isolation Key topics & keywords psychotherapy, marriage & family therapy, boundaries, co-regulation, polyvagal ladder, ventral vagal, PTSD triggers, holidays & family, attachment styles, rupture and repair, capacity vs desire, love languages critique, parenting 0–7, nervous system regulation, relationship communication