What happens when the father you needed never showed up?

In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Tracie Laymon, creator of Bob Trevino Likes It, to explore how growing up with an emotionally unavailable father shaped her life, relationships, and sense of self.

We talk about the father wound, people-pleasing, self-abandonment, healing through safe relationships, and why chosen family can become part of our emotional recovery. If you've ever struggled with feeling unseen, constantly seeking approval, or wondering why healthy love feels unfamiliar, this conversation is for you.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/848

Are you confused about what it means to be codependent? Do you ever wonder what codependency looks like in practice?

If you're nodding your head yes, that's understandable. In my experience, there is often confusion around the topic of codependency, with a ton of misconceptions and a plethora of myths clouding up what it looks like in real life.

In today's episode, I'm delivering rock-solid clarity about what codependency is by showing you what it's not. Ready for some major myth-busting?! Let's go!

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/349

Are you exhausted from trying to "fix" everyone and everything in your life? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, yoga mentor, and author Elena Brower to discuss why letting go is the ultimate act of self-love.

We've been conditioned to think that love means fixing, controlling, or "managing" the people around us. But what if the most powerful thing you could do is simply hold space?

In this episode, Elena Brower—bestselling author of Hold Nothing: An Invitation to Let Go and Come Home to Yourself—shares her profound journey from high-functioning perfectionism to a life of presence and service.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/846

"Is she entitled? Or have you just been serving yourself up on a platter?"

My therapist asked me that years ago, while I was mid-rant about a friend who kept asking me for favors. It stopped me cold, and it changed how I understood my own patterns.

If you're the one who says "I got it" before anyone finishes asking, who anticipates everyone's needs, who lies awake wondering if you came off as selfish, this episode is for you.

It's part one of a two-part series on boundaries and high functioning codependency, and I'm breaking down why boundaries are so hard for those of us who over-give, auto-accommodate, and self-sacrifice on autopilot.

You'll learn what boundaries are made of (your preferences, desires, limits, and deal breakers), how HFC traits create disordered boundaries, and why healthy boundaries are the bridge to the relationships you want.

Ready for the scripts? Part two, with word-for-word boundary scenarios, is at terricole.com/718.

This episode is part of our Best of The Terri Cole Show summer series: the most-requested episodes of the show, back to back, while new episodes are in the works for fall.

Get the free assessment guide for this episode: terricole.com/guide
Listen to part two: terricole.com/718
Find out where you stand with boundaries: boundaryquiz.com

Are you feeling like an outsider in your own home? Does the pressure to be the "perfect" stepmom have you constantly over-functioning, resentful, and burnt out?

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Scrimger, the founder of the "Kick-Ass Stepmom" community. We dive deep into the messy, complicated, and often painful reality of navigating blended family dynamics. We aren't just talking about tips—we're talking about the deep emotional work required to feel secure, respected, and valued as a bonus mom.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/844

Last week, we talked about what emotional insecurity looks like, the patterns that tell you safety is missing in a relationship. This week is about what comes next: what actually creates emotional safety.

Emotionally safe relationships do not just happen by accident.

They are built through small, consistent behaviors over time. Trust, respect, honesty, and repair are skills, not lucky outcomes.

Here are six things you can practice to build more emotional safety in the relationships that matter most to you.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/843

Have you ever achieved your biggest goals only to end up feeling completely exhausted, lonely, and burnt out?

In this episode, I'm sitting down with my soul-sister and nervous system regulation expert, Koya Webb, to unpack the hidden trap of high-functioning codependency and people-pleasing. Koya opens up about her raw "dark night of the soul" moment—crying in a bathtub after hosting a massively successful 8,000-person event—and how it forced her to stop self-abandoning and start truly healing.

Whether you are a super-empath, a highly sensitive person (HSP), or just someone running on empty, this conversation will give you the exact science-backed daily rituals you need to reset your nervous system, build deep community, and reclaim your personal sovereignty.

We dive deep into Koya's brand new book, "Well Being Rituals: Science-Backed Practices for Sustainable Healing and Living," exploring the 7 levels of holistic well-being you can start practicing today. It's time to stop giving from an empty bucket!

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/842

Last week, we talked about what emotional insecurity looks like, the patterns that tell you safety is missing in a relationship. This week is about what comes next: what actually creates emotional safety.

Emotionally safe relationships do not just happen by accident.

They are built through small, consistent behaviors over time. Trust, respect, honesty, and repair are skills, not lucky outcomes.

Here are six things you can practice to build more emotional safety in the relationships that matter most to you.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/841