What if your inner critic isn’t just being an asshole? What if, underneath all that criticism, it’s actually trying to protect you?

In Part 2 of our conversation about the inner critic, we’re digging into when that voice gets louder—and what might be happening underneath it. We talk about the times our critics tend to show up most, from the luteal phase and “high-def week” to stress, new situations, big events, and the pressure to have everything figured out.

Then we try a deceptively simple question: Would you say that to someone you love? Because apparently telling your friends they haven’t earned rest yet sounds a little different than saying it to yourself. 🙃

We also get into faith, fear, and the messages we grew up with about taking thoughts captive, spiritual attacks, anxiety, and what it can look like to revisit those ideas as adults. There’s room here for faith, biology, personal responsibility, curiosity, and the reality that each of us gets to make sense of those pieces in our own way.

Finally, we explore what the inner critic may actually be trying to protect, how old wounds and grief can shape that protective voice, and why meeting ourselves with compassion may get us somewhere criticism never could. We talk about reconnecting with younger versions of ourselves, the people we were before we learned to be so damn hard on ourselves, and remembering that our worth doesn’t disappear when we screw up, rest, take up space, or exist in a body that doesn’t meet someone else’s expectations.

And because apparently we needed an emotional palate cleanser after all that, we debut Teeny Gripe, Tiny Delight—featuring bug bites, hearing aids, butterflies, baby bunnies, and a jingle Katie is very proud of. 😂

CHAPTERS

00:00 👋 Opening
00:33 🍂 When the Critic Gets Louder
05:43 💜 Would You Say That to Someone You Love?
10:59 🙏 Faith, Fear, & Taking Thoughts Captive
18:54 🛡️ What Is the Critic Protecting?
21:36 🫶 From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion
28:58 ✨ Teeny Gripe, Tiny Delight
33:06 👋 Closing

RESOURCES MENTIONED

🧠 Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine

🧠 Curious About Your Own Saboteurs? Take the Free Assessment

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Living Luteal Loca! 💜

A QUICK NOTE

Living Luteal Loca is for education and entertainment and isn’t a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Please work with your own healthcare team for advice specific to you.

🎵 Music: “Posy” — licensed through Soundstripe via Riverside