How The 12 Steps Can Transform Your Life And Relationships

Stronger in the Difficult Places

Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram

24:35

It’s the very first episode of The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr and our first guest is Phil Wang! And Phil’s subgenre is…This Place is Evil. We’re talking psychological torture, we’re talking gory death scenes, we’re talking Lorraine Kelly?! The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr is a brand new comedy podcast where each week a different celebrity guest pitches an idea for a film based on one of the SUPER niche sub-genres on Netflix. From ‘Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s’ to ‘Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead’, our celebrity guests will pitch their wacky plot, their dream cast, the marketing stunts, and everything in between. By the end of every episode, Jimmy Carr, Comedian by night / “Netflix Executive” by day, will decide whether the pitch is greenlit or condemned to development hell! Listen on all podcast platforms and watch on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube Channel . The Big Pitch is a co-production by Netflix and BBC Studios Audio. Jimmy Carr is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer, touring his brand-new show JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY throughout the USA from May to November this year, as well as across the UK and Europe, before hitting Australia and New Zealand in early 2026. All info and tickets for the tour are available at JIMMYCARR.COM Production Coordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries Production Manager: Mabel Finnegan-Wright Editor: Stuart Reid Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Executive Producers for Netflix: Kathryn Huyghue, Erica Brady, and David Markowitz Set Design: Helen Coyston Studios: Tower Bridge Studios Make Up: Samantha Coughlan Cameras: Daniel Spencer Sound: Charlie Emery Branding: Tim Lane Photography: James Hole…

about a year ago 35:19

MP3•Episode home

Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, speaker, trained psychotherapist, songwriter, and Episcopal priest, but he may be best known for popularizing the Enneagram.

You can learn more about Ian and his book: https://ianmorgancron.com/about-ian

Connect with me:

Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook

Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

274 episodes

#Drzoeshaw #Psychotherapist #Superwomen #Women #Self-Improvement #Mental Health #Fitness #Dr. Zoe Shaw #Podcasting Education

How The 12 Steps Can Transform Your Life And Relationships

Stronger in the Difficult Places

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, speaker, trained psychotherapist, songwriter, and Episcopal priest, but he may be best known for popularizing the Enneagram.

You can learn more about Ian and his book: https://ianmorgancron.com/about-ian

Connect with me:

Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram

Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook

Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

274 episodes

#Drzoeshaw #Psychotherapist #Superwomen #Women #Self-Improvement #Mental Health #Fitness #Dr. Zoe Shaw #Podcasting Education

All episodes

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
Why We Need Radical Relaxation 31:04

5 days ago31:04

31:04

If you’re feeling tired—but not just in your body, in your soul—this episode is for you. Dr. Zoe sits down with Tracie Braylock, holistic nurse, educator, and author of Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry . Together, they unpack what “radical relaxation” really means (hint: it’s not about bubble baths) and why women especially need to redefine their relationship with rest. We talk about: Why modern stress is more than just a lifestyle issue—it’s a spiritual and physiological one The difference between numbing out and true restoration How to recognize your stress signals before your body forces you to stop The role of boundaries in protecting your peace How Biblical wisdom and scientific research both point to the necessity of deep rest Tracie brings her experience as a former operating room nurse and her current role as a writer with Proverbs 31 Ministries to offer grounded, compassionate insights for women who carry too much—and rest too little. Take a deep breath, press play, and give yourself permission to stop striving and start receiving the rest your body and soul actually need. Connect with Tracie: Website: traciebraylock.com Instagram: @traciebraylock Book: Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ : here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places : here Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat —a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling. Sign up here Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
How Shame Shows Up in Your Parenting—Even When Your Kids Are Grown 26:25

26 days ago26:25

26:25

Parenting doesn't end when your kids become adults—and neither does the complicated relationship we have with shame as parents. In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by family coach, former educator, and licensed mental health expert Anastasia Arauz to explore how shame weaves its way into our parenting, our family dynamics, and even into the lives of our adult children. Anastasia brings her rich background in counseling, play therapy, and education to help us uncover the hidden ways shame impacts how we show up as parents—and more importantly, what we can do about it. Her work empowers moms to lead their families with love, clarity, and resilience, while also prioritizing their own well-being. In this episode, we discuss: How shame sneaks into your parenting even when you "know better" The connection between shame and unhealthy family dynamics Why our unhealed shame can unintentionally burden our children Practical steps to parent from a place of confidence instead of fear Strategies to break cycles of guilt, perfectionism, and self-criticism in parenting Whether your children are toddlers, teenagers, or fully grown adults, it's never too late to examine how shame is operating in your family—and to make powerful shifts toward healthier, more joyful relationships. Connect with Anastasia: Website Instagram: @anastasiaju YouTube TikTok: @anastasia.arauz4 LinkedIn Links and Resources: [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ : here Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat —a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling. For one week only, we’re offering a Mother’s Day special—your spot is just $97 with the code MOM2026. (Valid from April 18th - April 24th) Sign up here Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
How Couples Can Resist Priority Drift In Your Relationship 26:41

5 weeks ago26:41

26:41

In this episode of Stronger in the Difficult Places, I’m joined by transformational relationship guide Nick Brancato for a powerful conversation on a subtle but common challenge in long-term relationships— priority drift . Nick opens up about his own relational journey and how even the most connected couples can find themselves slowly drifting apart when life’s demands begin to compete with their shared values and intentions. We unpack what priority drift looks like, how it shows up in everyday life, and most importantly—how to resist it. Nick shares his holistic approach to keeping love aligned, to help couples turn emotional disconnection into meaningful, sustainable growth. His insight is both tender and practical, offering tools for getting back in sync when you feel misaligned with your partner. We talk about: What “priority drift” is and why it’s so common How to recognize the early signs of disconnection Rituals and practices to help couples realign Why emotional insight + actionable steps are the key to lasting change Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been partnered for decades, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and recommit to what matters most—together. About Nick Brancato: Nick Brancato is a seasoned personal development coach and educator with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples connect, communicate, and thrive. With a master’s degree in education and a background as a Microsoft systems engineer, Nick blends practical tools with data-driven frameworks to guide clients through life’s challenges, including career shifts, financial pressures, and personal growth. Connect with Nick: Website Instagram: @personaldevcoach Book: Prioritize Us Links and Resources: [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ : here Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat —a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling. For one week only, we’re offering a Mother’s Day special—your spot is just $97 with the code MOM2026. (Valid from April 18th - April 24th) Sign up here Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
Is it Emotional Abuse—Or Something Else? 25:43

6 weeks ago25:43

25:43

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is this emotional abuse… or just a hard relationship moment?” You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Dr. Zoe breaks down the crucial difference between emotional abuse and other common relational struggles—like conflict, insensitivity, emotional immaturity, or human imperfection. When you’ve grown up in dysfunction or carry the weight of Complex Shame™, it can be hard to trust your internal radar. This conversation is here to help you recalibrate. You’ll Learn: What emotional abuse actually looks like—and why it’s often so subtle How to distinguish between a painful moment and a toxic pattern The role of Complex Shame™ in how we interpret (and misinterpret) relationship dynamics Why clarity is essential to healing—and how to start finding it Resources Mentioned: [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ : here Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat —a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling. For one week only, we’re offering a Mother’s Day special—your spot is just $97 with the code MOM2026. (Valid from April 18th - April 24th) Sign up here Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
The Link Between Insecure Attachment, Self Abandonment And Chronic Stress 40:12

7 weeks ago40:12

40:12

In this episode, we dive deep into the body’s role in healing with Kate, a physical therapist, author, and embodied freedom and transformation coach. Kate specializes in helping service-driven women who feel like they're falling apart—overwhelmed, exhausted, and trapped in cycles of chronic anxiety, pain, and fatigue. We also unpacked how shame shapes our identity and how the unhealed stress and trauma we carry doesn’t just affect us—it ripples into our relationships. When we stay disconnected from our bodies, we struggle to show up fully for ourselves and others. But when we begin to listen, release, and heal, we open the door to deeper connection, compassion, and freedom. With a background in neuro and pain science, she offers a powerful lens into how stress and trauma are held in the body—and how releasing them can create real transformation. We talked about what it means to come back to your body, how physical tension reflects emotional holding, and she even guided me through some surprising exercises to uncover what I’ve been carrying. This conversation is a reminder that healing isn’t just a mental process. It’s physical. It’s embodied. And it’s deeply personal. Resources & Mentions: Her book: The Good Girl RX Freebie: Sneak Peek of The Good Girl RX Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
What if You’re The Red Flag? And What Do You Do About It? 27:28

9 weeks ago27:28

27:28

We’ve all been taught how to spot red flags in others—but what if we’re the red flag? In this powerful episode, Dr. Zoe unpacks the uncomfortable but essential question: could your own behaviors, coping mechanisms, or unresolved trauma be playing a role in your relationship struggles? With compassion and clarity, she explores how complex shame and survival patterns might show up as self-sabotage, emotional unavailability, or codependency—and how recognizing these patterns is the first step toward healing. This isn’t about blame. It’s about brave introspection, self-compassion, and taking radical ownership of your growth. What You'll Learn: The subtle ways red-flag behaviors can manifest in everyday life How complex shame might be driving your relationship dynamics Why self-awareness is the most powerful relationship tool you have Practical steps to shift from reactivity to intentional connection Whether you’re healing from a toxic relationship or trying to build healthier ones, this episode will challenge and empower you to look inward—and come out stronger on the other side. Resources & Mentions: Book: Stronger in the Difficult Places (coming soon!): pre-order now Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
How The 12 Steps Can Transform Your Life And Relationships 35:19

10 weeks ago35:19

35:19

In this powerful episode, Ian and I explore how these time-tested principles can radically shift your relationship with yourself and others. We talk about the freedom that comes from radical honesty, the courage it takes to confront your own story, and how the Twelve Steps can guide anyone—no matter their background—toward healing and wholeness. This conversation is real, vulnerable, and packed with insight. Whether you’re familiar with the Steps or just curious, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take your own brave next step toward change. Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, speaker, trained psychotherapist, songwriter, and Episcopal priest, but he may be best known for popularizing the Enneagram. You can learn more about Ian and his book: https://ianmorgancron.com/about-ian Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
Overcoming The Shame Of Your Everyday Addictions 28:38

10 weeks ago28:38

28:38

Addiction isn’t just about substances—it can show up in our everyday lives in ways we don’t always recognize. Whether it's scrolling endlessly on social media, emotional eating, overworking, or even seeking validation from others, these everyday addictions can hold us back from true freedom. And often, the biggest barrier to overcoming them isn’t just the habit itself—it’s the shame we carry around it. In this episode, I sit down with author and speaker Chris Janssen to talk about the sneaky ways addiction manifests, why shame keeps us stuck, and how we can break free from the cycle. If you’ve ever felt trapped in patterns you can’t seem to shake, this conversation will help you find hope, healing, and a path forward. What We Cover in This Episode: ✔️ Redefining addiction beyond drugs and alcohol ✔️ How shame fuels compulsive behaviors ✔️ The connection between emotional pain and everyday addictions ✔️ Steps to break free and cultivate self-compassion ✔️ The role of faith and community in healing If you’ve ever felt guilty or ashamed about the habits you can’t seem to control, this episode is for you. Connect with Chris Janssen: Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is the author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want and a leading results coach in performance and mindset. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after athletes, creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally, helping them to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. As a board-certified coach with a master’s in counseling psychology and over 25 years of experience, Chris excels in helping high-achieving perfectionists navigate performance pressure, overcome self-sabotage, and rewrite narratives. A California native, Chris and her husband, Scott, have been married for nearly 30 years. Together, they raised three children, now thriving young adults. Chris and Scott live in Los Angeles and love to ski, golf, be with their horses, and adventure outside. Links: Website: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjanssencoaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssen New Book, Grace Yourself : https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Yourself-Show-Sober-Life/dp/1637633378 Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
Navigating Everyday Grief 27:34

12 weeks ago27:34

27:34

Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one or experiencing life’s biggest losses. In this episode, I sit down with Natasha Smith to explore the often-overlooked grief we carry in our everyday lives. From unmet expectations to life transitions, we discuss why acknowledging these losses matters and how we can find healing in the small moments. Whether you’re navigating a major loss or simply feeling the weight of unspoken grief, this conversation will help you give yourself permission to process, heal, and move forward with grace. Natasha Smith is a certified grief educator, advocate, wife, mother, and former engineer turned homeschooler. Now a two-time published author and a native of North Carolina, she is also a speaker and podcaster, sharing stories on faith, family, and grief. Natasha’s work has been featured in Propel Women, Influence Magazine, Her View from Home, Focus on the Family, TODAY Parents, and other online publications. She has contributed essays to books with Guideposts and in So God Made A Grandma, a new release from Her View From Home. Natasha’s books, Can You Just Sit with Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life (September 2023, IVPress) and Black Woman Grief: A Guide to Hope and Wholeness (February 2025, IVPress), are available wherever books are sold. Connect with her on social media @imnatashasmith . BOOK INFO: https://www.ivpress.com/black-woman-grief PRESS KIT: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Press-Kits/A0964-press.pdf EXCERPT: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Downloads/Excerpts-and-Samples/A0964-excerpt.pdf BIO: https://www.ivpress.com/natasha-smith Listen to her podcast and read her blog at imnatashasmith.com . Follow her on Twitter: @imnatashasmith Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
How To Advocate For Yourself In Difficult Relationships 33:05

13 weeks ago33:05

33:05

Why is it so easy to stand up for others but so hard to advocate for ourselves? If you’ve ever felt stuck between not wanting to seem "too much" and not knowing how to use your voice effectively, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Heather Hansen—former trial lawyer turned advocate coach—who shares powerful insights on breaking free from “good girl syndrome,” building the skills to confidently speak up, and learning how to own your voice without fear or guilt. If advocating for yourself feels uncomfortable, overwhelming, or just plain impossible, this conversation will empower you to step into your confidence and ask for what you truly deserve. Don’t miss this one! About Heather: Heather Hansen empowers leaders to build belief in their ideas, leadership, and potential. Drawing on her experience as a trial attorney, psychology degree and dispute resolution training, time as a media personality, and hypnosis training, she helps leaders use stories, evidence, and their bodies' energy to influence their teams, clients, and results. Heather has appeared on The Today Show, Dr. Oz, CNN, Fox News, and CBS and has worked with top organizations, including Harvard Business School, Google, LVMH, and the American Medical Association. She’s the bestselling author of The Elegant Warrior: How to Win Life’s Trials Without Losing Yourself and Advocate to Win: 10 Tools to Ask for What You Want and Get It. She lives in New York City with her dog, Wolf. Connect with Heather: Website: https://www.beliefbuilders.com/ Instagram @anelegantwarrior Books: https://www.beliefbuilders.com/books-by-heather-hansen Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgAJ-S59DvA Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
How To Make Good Decisions When You Feel Guilty 12:54

14 weeks ago12:54

12:54

I hear this all the time: How do I make a good decision when I feel guilty for making it? In today’s episode I address how to make a decision, even when you feel bad about it. It’s easier than you think and you can do it! Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
Say it Right: How To Talk So Your Partner Will Listen and You Will Feel Heard - In Six Steps 50:00

24 weeks ago50:00

50:00

It doesn’t matter what you say, the only thing that matters is what is heard. This isn’t my original quote, but I’ve lost who said it along the way. Understanding this truth has been the turning point in my communication in all of my relationships. In today’s episode, I have such a wonderful, meaty, conversation with Rebecca Mullen, author, speaker, relationship coach, about how to have better communication with your spouse in 6 simple steps- Even if you barely talk anymore. Rebecca is my personal business coach and friend. This is her second time on my podcast and I’m inviting her again because she is a wealth of wisdom. Don’t miss this episode. She will help those with the worst and the best of marriages, communicate better. Episode resources: www.rebeccamullencoaching.com Link to Rebecca’s book: 6 Steps to Better Marriage Communication: https://a.co/d/b3Kwn1B You can find Rebecca on TikTok at: @rebeccamullencoaching In this episode we spoke about Corey Rosenke- author of The Magnetic Heart Of God Check out episode 237 with Rebecca: Listen here Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
Why You Shouldn't Believe Everything You Think - And If You Do, It's Holding You Back 40:40

25 weeks ago40:40

40:40

Your thoughts are powerful and most of us believe them- much to the detriment of ourselves and our relationships. On today's episode, I have a discussion with renowned author, Joseph Nguyen about why you shouldn't- and more importantly how you go about the process of not believing what you think. Joseph Nguyen is the author of the #1 international bestselling book, Don't Believe Everything You Think, which has been translated into 17+ languages. He is a writer who helps others realize who they truly are beyond their own thinking and conditioning to live an abundant life free from psychological and emotional suffering. When he's not busy petting his 3 cats that he's allergic to, he spends the rest of his time writing, teaching, speaking, and sharing timeless wisdom to help people discover their own divinity from within and how they are the answer they've been looking for their entire lives. You may visit his website at www.josephnguyen.org for more books, resources, and videos to help you on your journey. Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
Why Women Stay In Unhealthy Relationships 40:39

27 weeks ago40:39

40:39

Stephanie Quayle, Nashville Recording Artist and author talks about her own toxic relationship, why she stayed and insight she hope will help other women in difficult relationships. Stephanie Quayle is a Nashville recording artist who tours the world with her music and an entrepreneur with her own record label, Big Sky Music Group. Rolling Stone Country called her “an artist you need to know,” CMT named her as part of its “Next Women of Country” franchise, and she’s appeared on popular programs like The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. As an independent artist with two Billboard charted singles, “Selfish” and “Whatcha Drinkin ’Bout,” she has repeatedly performed at CMA Fest and the Grand Ole Opry. Quayle’s latest album On the Edge chronicles her personal experience in a toxic relationship and the healing she’s gone through since—inspiring others and redefining her future. Stephanie is the author of the new book, Why Do We Stay? How My Toxic Relationship Can Help You Find Healing. Through half a million followers, Stephanie’s social media garnered 19 million impressions in 2023. You can view her website, social media and music via the links included below. Website: https://www.stephaniequayle.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniequayle Instagram: @StephanieQuayle X: @StephanieQuayle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/STEPHANIEQUAYLE TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniequayle Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephanie-quayle/6365037 Spotify: Stephanie Quayle Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website…

Stronger in the Difficult Places

1
Six Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Relationship 17:25

29 weeks ago17:25