Whitney Goodman is a licensed marriage and family therapist and author on a mission to help adult family members have better relationships. Each week, Whitney has conversations with influential guests and real people to help listeners find new ways of looking at old family problems. Calling Home is available every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts.
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: You Don't Have An In-Law Problem, You Have A Partner Problem
18:16
18:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:16
In this episode, Whitney answers two caller questions. One is about enmeshed in-laws and the other is an adult who is trying to re-parent themselves. She discusses the profound effects of critical parenting on self-perception and self-love. She emphasizes that while individuals can work towards healing and self-acceptance, they may never fully repl…
…
continue reading
1
Toxic Mother-In-Law Or Brainwashing Daughter In-Law? with Janelle Marie
51:49
51:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:49
I invited Janelle (@heyjanellemarie) from TikTok to the podcast this week. I have watched every single one of her toxic mother-in-law videos, and I've been dying to speak with her. In this episode, Janelle discusses the challenges of navigating relationships with mothers-in-law and the impact it has on marriages. She shares her personal experiences…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: I'm Not Inviting My Dad To My Wedding
31:35
31:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:35
In this episode, Whitney Goodman reflects on the first anniversary of the Calling Home podcast and community. She emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating complex family relationships. The episode also addresses listener questions with a daughter who doesn't want her father to attend her wedding and an adult who w…
…
continue reading
1
My Parents Hit Me And I Turned Out Fine with Gabriel Hannan
46:26
46:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:26
In this conversation, Whitney Goodman interviews Gabriel, also known as The Indomitable Black Man, about his journey to becoming a content creator who promotes respectful or gentle parenting. They discuss the challenges of being a black man in the gentle parenting space and the misconceptions surrounding discipline and abuse. Gabriel emphasizes tea…
…
continue reading
1
What To Do When You Have A Narcissistic Family Member with Dr. Ramani
45:46
45:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:46
In this episode, Whitney Goodman and Dr. Ramani discuss how narcissism is in the family. This is a great episode for anyone who is wondering: Is my parent a narcissist? How do I deal with a narcissistic parent or family member? How do I set boundaries and disengage? Are narcissistic adult children born or raised to be this way? Should I go to thera…
…
continue reading
1
Part 3: What We Know About Adult Child and Parent Estrangement
1:12:20
1:12:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:20
This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on adult child and parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney compares the survey results of estranged parents and estranged adult children. She shares her thoughts about the survey results and dives deeper into what this survey has taught us about this issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic…
…
continue reading
1
Part 2: Adult Children Share Their Perspective
31:10
31:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:10
In this episode, Whitney shares the findings from a survey of 2382 estranged adult children. She offers a deep dive into why many distance themselves from their parents. The survey reveals common themes such as unresolved conflict, emotional or physical harm, and the lasting impact of difficult childhood experiences, where self-preservation sometim…
…
continue reading
1
Part 1: Estranged Parents Share Their Perspective
47:34
47:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:34
This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on Adult Child and Parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney discusses the findings from a survey of 204 estranged parents. You will hear how this group of parents feels about their estrangement from their adult child, what they're willing to do to fix the relationship, and if therapists and social media really…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: It's Not About Childhood. It's About How They Treat Me Now
33:50
33:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:50
In this conversation, Whitney Goodman answers two caller questions about the complexities of estrangement and the challenges of communicating with parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-protection, setting boundaries, and understanding the dynamics of parent-child relationships. Goodman also discusses the need for accountability and emotion…
…
continue reading
1
Family Estrangement and Going No Contact with Patrick Teahan
45:18
45:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:18
Family estrangement and going no contact are deeply painful and complex experiences that impact both adult children and their parents. Often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, unmet emotional needs, or longstanding power dynamics, estrangement reflects a significant breakdown in communication and trust within the family. Adult children may choo…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: My Mom Snuck Alcohol Around My Child
13:16
13:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:16
Surviving family holidays can be difficult when you are estranged or have unresolved tensions with your family. Holidays and events can bring deep-seated conflicts to the surface. The pressure to maintain peace can be overwhelming, especially when you're masking feelings of distrust and hurt. Navigating these relationships requires setting firm bou…
…
continue reading
Who should be in the delivery room? In today’s episode, you will learn why having that conversation with yourself and other family members is critical, especially if you are an expectant mother. Whitney covers why each generations has a different perception and expectation about being in the delivery rooms. Older women, for example, believe they sh…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: When My Dad Texts Me, It Makes Me Sick To My Stomach
16:17
16:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:17
Accepting what Is and managing your relationship with parents who may never apologize or change their behavior is not an easy path. It requires a deep level of acceptance, acknowledging that your parents might not become the people you wish they were, and understanding that healing begins with accepting the situation as it is, not as you hope it wo…
…
continue reading
Join Whitney Goodman and Vienna Pharaon, LMFT, as they discuss the role of the Golden Child in a dysfunctional family system. You will learn: how someone becomes the golden child why golden children struggle how sibling dynamics play into this role how to step out of the golden child role Let’s Connect Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-…
…
continue reading
Balancing boundaries and empathy in family relationships means understanding and validating your family's feelings and experiences while also protecting your own emotional and mental well-being. Empathy allows you to connect with your loved ones on a deeper level, but without boundaries, it can lead to neglecting your own needs and compromising you…
…
continue reading
1
How To Support A Partner Who Has Issues With Their Parents
15:26
15:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:26
Supporting a partner who has issues with their parents requires empathy, patience, and understanding. It's not just understanding their feelings but also actively putting yourself in their shoes and acknowledging their emotional experience. That is listening attentively, validating their feelings, and reassuring them that their emotions are legitim…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: I'm Tired Of Being My Parent's Parent
20:43
20:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:43
Feeling tired of being the parent to your parents is a common struggle, especially when they rely on you for emotional or even physical suapport. It can be overwhelming to manage their needs while trying to prioritize your own life and the family you're building. Setting boundaries is essential, not just for your well-being but also to maintain a h…
…
continue reading
1
Family Dynamics and Romantic Relationships with Todd Baratz
42:59
42:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:59
This week on Calling Home, Whitney speaks with therapist and author Todd Baratz on how childhood and family dynamics impact romantic relationships. He discusses why the environment we are raised in shapes who we are and how we communicate, which in turn influences the partners we choose. They also chat about "good enough" relationships and why rela…
…
continue reading
This week, Whitney answers questions from listeners who are dealing with narcissists in their family and discusses how to set proper boundaries. The first caller’s question deals with a narcissist brother-in-law changing the family dynamic. The second caller recently discovered that her father was a narcissist and her mother the enabler and is ques…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Calling Home, Whitney Goodman discusses the trend of mothers being overly attached to their sons, often referred to as "boy moms". This dynamic can be harmful to both the mother and son and lead to emotional incest, where the son is put into a husband-like role. Whitney talks about the reasons behind this phenomenon, including so…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Navigating Estrangement During Family Events and Holidays
13:45
13:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:45
This week our listener questions deal with navigating difficult family dynamics during holidays and events. The first caller struggles with an estranged family and feels isolated during celebrations. The second caller cut off their alcoholic mother for safety reasons, but struggles with her presence at family gatherings. Have a question for Whitney…
…
continue reading
1
Enmeshment in Family Relationships with Nedra Tawwab
42:48
42:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:48
This week on Calling Home, Whitney speaks with therapist and author Nedra Tawwab on the concept of enmeshment in family relationships. They talk about what enmeshment is and what makes it different from a close family relationship. Nedra emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries and respecting the autonomy of others, especially as chi…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Spouse Doesn’t Understand Going No Contact; Being the Family Scapegoat
16:48
16:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:48
Whitney is answering more of your questions from the Calling Home voicemail line. The first caller is struggling with her spouse's lack of support for her decision to maintain no contact with her family, even in emergencies. The second caller, identified as the family scapegoat, is torn between cutting off contact with her family or trying to maint…
…
continue reading
This week on Calling Home, Whitney discusses the topic of emotional incest, also known as covert incest. This form of emotional abuse occurs when a parent or primary caregiver treats their child like a romantic partner, relying on them for emotional support typically provided by a partner. Whitney will talk about when emotional incest often occurs …
…
continue reading
Today on the podcast we’re wrapping up May and our conversations about grandparent relationships by answering some listener questions on the topic. The first caller has concerns about her partner's parents, who may have been involved in or bystanders to childhood sexual abuse in their household. She’s worried how that will affect the relationship t…
…
continue reading
1
Emotionally Immature Parents with Lindsay C. Gibson
48:04
48:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:04
In this week’s episode of the Calling Home podcast, Whitney speaks with therapist and author Lindsay C. Gibson discusses the challenges of dealing with emotionally immature parents. They’ll discuss how emotional immaturity exists on a spectrum and can be influenced by various factors such as life stage and external circumstances. Lindsay will expla…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Guilty Over Going No Contact; Parents That Lack Emotional Maturity
13:45
13:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:45
Today on the Calling Home podcast, Whitney answers more questions from listeners. The first caller discusses their decision to cut off contact with her abusive grandparents and now feeling guilty for doing so. Whitney will talk about why that is a normal response and strategies for moving past the guilt. The second caller shares their experience of…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Calling On Podcast, Whitney discusses the importance of setting boundaries with grandparents. She’ll explain why grandparents may struggle with boundaries due to generational differences, cultural beliefs, or a lack of respect for their adult children's parenting styles. If you’re struggling with these types of relationships,…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Finding and Respecting Boundaries in a Sister Relationship
19:49
19:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:49
Today on the Calling Home podcast, Whitney is answering more of your questions. The first caller discusses a conflict with her sister, who has requested they attend family therapy before resuming communication. The second caller asks for advice on dealing with anger towards her sister, who has violated a boundary related to their abusive mother. Ha…
…
continue reading
1
Setting Boundaries Within Immigrant Families with Sahaj Kaur Kohli
44:32
44:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:32
This week on the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney will talk with therapist and author Sahaj Kaur Kohli. They’ll discuss the challenges of setting boundaries and maintaining healthy communication within multi-generational immigrant families. She highlights the pressure that immigrant parents often feel from their own parents, which can lead to rigid ex…
…
continue reading
Mother’s Day is this Sunday and it can be very triggering for many individuals for a variety of reasons. Today on the podcast, Whitney will answer calls from listeners who struggle with this holiday. The first caller shares her struggle with maintaining no contact with her mentally ill mother due to the pain she causes, asking for advice on how to …
…
continue reading
1
Grandchildren Are Not A Do-Over For Parents Of Adult Children
18:34
18:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:34
In this episode of The Calling Home podcast, Whitney discusses the complex dynamics of grandparent relationships. She’ll talk about why grandchildren are not a 'do-over' for parents of adult children, and that grandparents should not view their role as a second chance at parenthood. This episode is primarily focused on grandparents who have a strai…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Chaotic Upbringings and Setting Boundaries
18:17
18:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:17
Whitney is answering more of your questions. Today, she’ll talk to a listener that is struggling to understand her chaotic upbringing, which was marked by her parents' nasty divorce, her mother's substance abuse and mental health issues, and her father's absence. Whitney will talk about the importance of accepting and grieving these types of experi…
…
continue reading
1
Unresolved Childhood Trauma with Andrea Ashley
40:06
40:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:06
This week on Calling Home, Whitney discusses the impact of unresolved childhood trauma with the host of the Adult Child Podcast, Andrea Ashley. Andrea shares her personal journey of growing up in a loving but dysfunctional family, dealing with addiction, and discovering the concept of "adult children" of alcoholics and dysfunctional families. They’…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Emotionally Distant Parents and a Good Grandma But a Not-So-Good Mom
19:16
19:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:16
Description: In this episode of the Calling Home podcast, Whitney is answering more of your questions. The first caller is looking for advice on how to navigate a relationship with emotionally and physically distant parents. Then, our second caller wants to discuss a difficult relationship with her mother, who views her as an extension of herself. …
…
continue reading
This week on the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney Goodman discusses how to grieve the apology you've never received from a parent. This apology may have never been received due to various reasons such as death, mental health issues, or refusal to acknowledge past wrongs. Whitney will talk about how to accept this reality and focus on healing yourself …
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Working With Family And Searching For Understanding From Fiance
18:45
18:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:45
Whitney Goodman is answering more calls from the Calling Home voicemail. Today’s first call involves a listener who is involved in a multi-generational family business, that unfortunately has some toxic workplace behaviors. The second caller is asking for advice on handling a relationship with her fiance who struggles to understand why she has cert…
…
continue reading
1
Breaking the Pattern of Dysfunction with Kelly U
42:15
42:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:15
In this episode of the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney Goodman interviews health and wellness influencer Kelly Uchima about her journey of reconciling with her father and breaking the pattern of dysfunction in her family. Kelly shares how she was the first in her family to recognize her father's narcissism and the negative impact it had on her mental…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Siblings with Emotional Baggage; Generational Trauma
18:43
18:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:43
Whitney is back to answer more questions from the Calling Home listener community. The first caller discusses her struggle with an adult sibling who hasn't done the same emotional healing work she has, causing her to absorb their emotional baggage. How does she separate herself from feeling their pain? The second caller asks about the impact of gen…
…
continue reading
This week on The Calling Home podcast Whitney will discuss Toxic Positivity in honor of the paperback release of her book on the topic. She’ll explain that toxic positivity is the act of dismissing or invalidating negative emotions in favor of a positive outlook, often leading to suppression of genuine feelings. This can be particularly harmful in …
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Estranged Father Seeking Reconciliation, Family Choosing Ex-Husband
22:11
22:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:11
Whitney Goodman is answering more calls from the Calling Home voicemail. Today’s first call involves a listener who is estranged from her mother but still in minimal contact with her father and his family, who is seeking reconciliation. The second listener is a divorcee who was very close with her family, but is now no-contact with them while her e…
…
continue reading
1
When Parents Give You The Silent Treatment with Abbey Williams
43:03
43:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:03
This week on the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney Goodman speaks with therapist Abbey Williams. They discuss her estrangement from her mother due to the latter's use of the silent treatment as a form of discipline. Williams explains that this behavior, often driven by unprocessed trauma, emotional immaturity, shame, or a desire for control, can be as …
…
continue reading
1
Changing Your Parent’s Expectations with Mindhappy Founder Darshita Raval
48:35
48:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:35
In this episode of The Calling Home podcast, host Whitney Goodman speaks with Darshita Raval, founder of Mindhappy, a wellness platform dedicated to bringing fulfillment back into everyday life. Darshita shares her journey of moving from India to America, climbing the corporate ladder, and then quitting to move back in with her parents and pursue h…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The Calling Home podcast, host Whitney Goodman discusses the challenges of blending families, particularly when the children are adults. Common issues in these situations include changes in family dynamics, financial disputes, and the addition of new family members. She’ll talk about the importance of patience, understanding, and…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Parents Accepting Adult Child’s ADHD, Handling Estrangement and Pregnancy Announcements
15:24
15:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:24
Whitney Goodman is answering more calls from the Calling Home voicemail. Today’s first call involves a listener who is struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and her mother's refusal to acknowledge it. The second caller is looking for advice on how to tell her estranged parents about her pregnancy. Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. …
…
continue reading
1
Emotionally Immature Parents with Morgan Pommells
41:25
41:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:25
This week on the Calling Home podcast, Whitney interviews therapist Morgan Pommells about emotionally immature parents. They’ll discuss how these parents can have good intentions but become defensive when their adult children bring up past issues, leading to feelings of being unheard and causing relationship problems. Repair is possible at any age …
…
continue reading
1
Co-Parenting with Dysfunctional Parents, Parents with Undiagnosed Mental Disorders
22:40
22:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:40
Whitney Goodman is back answering more questions from listeners. The first caller is a grandmother co-parenting with her grandchild's dysfunctional parents and wondering how to successfully navigate that relationship and raise the child in a happy and healthy way. Then, our second call comes from a listener dealing with a parent who likely has an u…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Whitney Goodman will discuss the topic of going "no contact" with family members, a decision often made due to abusive or toxic relationships. Prior to this episode, Whitney took some polls on Instagram and found the majority of those that have gone no contact with a family member did so primarily due to feeling unsafe in communica…
…
continue reading
1
Q&A: Sibling Relationships After Divorce, Caring For Aging Parents and Supporting No Contact
22:25
22:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:25
Today on the podcast, Whitney Goodman dives into your questions left on the Calling Home voicemail. The first caller discusses her strained relationship with her brother after their parents' divorce and their mother's subsequent struggles with addiction and mental health. Then, the second caller asks about the responsibility of caring for aging par…
…
continue reading
1
Introducing New Episodes Coming Every Thursday
26:14
26:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:14
This week is a very special solo podcast to introduce new episodes that will be on the feed every Thursday. Whitney receives so many great questions from listeners, that each week she will be dedicating an entire episode to answering those voicemails. This introductory episode starts with a listener that shares her struggle with her mother's abusiv…
…
continue reading