Two Driven Spouses, One Big Argument — and a Psychologist who helped us see through it

Life of And

Two driven spouses. One giant fight. And a psychologist who helped us see it all differently.

In this episode of Scared Confident, Tiffany sits down with Dr. Doug Brackmann, a psychologist who’s spent decades helping high-achievers stop self-sabotaging and start living with more connection, clarity, and peace.

Together, they unpack what it really means to be “driven”—and how that same intensity that fuels your success can quietly create emotional disconnection in your closest relationships. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

This conversation gets real about the cost of emotional isolation, what happens when two high performers try to do marriage, and why vulnerability is actually a power play—not a weakness.

Dr. Doug brings the receipts: practical tools, mindset shifts, and a whole lot of truth to help you stop running on empty and start feeling more seen—in work and in life.

Key Takeaways:

• How drive can be your superpower and your kryptonite
• Why high performers struggle with intimacy and what to do about it
• The surprising freedom that comes from being real (even when it’s messy)

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(03:23) Balancing family and career

(04:14) The struggles of Driven personalities

(05:40) Marriage dynamics and challenges

(10:00) Therapy and personal growth

(24:08) Book recommendations and initial reactions

(24:42) Understanding male and female dynamics

(26:38) The power of vulnerability

(30:46) Practical relationship advice

(36:49) Key takeaways