Best Alexandra Mendes Podcasts (2024)

1
Rewrite Your Story: Healing from Trauma with Dr. Frank Anderson 57:58

27m ago57:58

57:58

Dr. Frank Anderson is a world-renowned trauma expert and author who has dedicated his career to teaching therapists how to help patients work through trauma. Now, in his immensely personal memoir, To Be Loved, Dr. Frank shares his own story of overcoming trauma. In this conversation, Dr. Frank weaves his clinical knowledge with personal experiences…

1
Strategies for a Thriving Long-Distance Relationship (Re-release) 1:04:51

3d ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Long-distance relationships are no walk in the park, but that doesn't mean they can't thrive. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra tackles this topic, sharing tools and tips for couples. If you and your partner live in different time zones, are pros at FaceTime dates, and are constantly asking, "when's our next visit?", this episode is for you. Relevant …

1
Money & Marriage: When One Likes to Spend and One Likes to Save with Dr. Scott Rick 51:11

10d ago51:11

51:11

What happens in a marriage when one partner likes to save money and one likes to spend it? According to Dr. Scott Rick’s research, when it comes to money, opposites do attract. Dr. Rick joins Dr. Alexandra to explain how our psychology shapes how we handle money and how the choices we make around money impact our relationships. Relevant links: Tigh…

1
The Search for Green Flags: Ditch the Dating Myths, Not the Apps with Damona Hoffman 1:03:24

17d ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Celebrity dating coach Damona Hoffman stops by Reimagining Love to deliver sage and practical advice for daters. With decades of experience in online dating, Damona gives Dr. Alexandra an update on the current state of the apps and explains why so many daters are feeling burnt out. Instead of looking for red flags and buying into tired dating myths…

1
End or Mend: Managing Difficult Family Relationships with Nedra Tawwab 55:08

26d ago55:08

55:08

[Content warning: this episode contains a brief mention of suicide. If you prefer to not listen to this moment, please skip this week's listener question segment at the end of the episode] Nedra Tawwab returns to Reimagining Love to discuss what can be our most challenging and vulnerable relationships: difficult relationships with our Families of O…

1
"I Need Connection & My Partner Needs Space. Now What?" 1:01:38

1M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

In this solo episode, Dr. Alexandra examines a central tension in all relationships: the need for space versus togetherness. If you often find yourself wanting more connection, are you needy? If you typically need more space, are you avoidant? Here, Dr. Alexandra encourages us to ditch the labels and pathology, and instead acknowledge that both spa…

1
Open Marriage: Lessons from Non-Monogamy & Motherhood with Molly Roden Winter 57:42

1M ago57:42

57:42

Author Molly Roden Winter joins Reimagining Love to share her story of opening up her marriage as a happily married mother and the hard-earned and profound truths she learned along the way. For Molly, her journey of non-monogamy opened her up to more: more choice and self-discovery, and feeling more than her roles as a mother and wife. Relevant lin…

1
The Other Significant Others: How to Reimagine Your Friendships with Rhaina Cohen 52:44

2M ago52:44

52:44

What would change if, instead of prioritizing romantic relationships, we made friendships the center of our lives? NPR's Rhaina Cohen joins Reimagining Love to explore the possibilities embedded within that question. In her new book, Rhaina invites us into the worlds of people who've organized their lives around deep friendship and, in doing so, ch…

1
Liberated Love: From Codependency to Relational Safety with Mark Groves & Kylie McBeath 58:13

2M ago58:13

58:13

Mark Groves and Kylie McBeath join Reimagining Love to share the story of their relationship—the story that inspired their new book, Liberated Love: Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire. In this conversation, they get vulnerable about how they moved from breaking up to fostering breakthroughs; a journey they nurtured through …

1
When You're the Affair Partner 57:32

2M ago57:32

57:32

Throughout her decades as a therapist, Dr. Alexandra has helped many people navigate being "the affair partner." Participating in infidelity creates an intoxicating yet profoundly confusing blend of emotions and experiences. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra examines the psychology of this role and offers a compassionate look into the surrounding cont…

1
When Shame Blocks Repair 52:09

2M ago52:09

52:09

In this solo episode, Dr. Alexandra confronts a common roadblock to repair: shame. Often, in the wake of relational harm, feelings of shame secretly run the show, causing you to get combative and defensive or freeze, flee, or fawn in essential moments. Dr. Alexandra provides strategies for moving from shame into action—so that you can make yourself…

1
Conscious Uncoupling: Divorce as an Ending, Not a Failure with Katherine Woodward Thomas 55:30

3M ago55:30

55:30

Ten years after "conscious uncoupling" first entered the public lexicon, Katherine Woodward Thomas joins Reimagining Love to discuss her powerful rebrand of what's possible after a breakup or divorce. Through sharing her story and dissecting the cultural myths that cause us to view divorce as a failure, Katherine encourages us to bring a sense of g…

1
From Burnout to Balanced: Bringing Self-Compassion to Our Careers with Esther Boykin 50:52

3M ago50:52

50:52

Esther Boykin joins Dr. Alexandra for an expansive conversation around the intersection of mental health and our careers. Esther highlights the difference between self-care and self-compassion, and points us towards using self-compassion as an essential tool for improving both our personal and work lives. When we bring self-compassion to our career…

1
Secure Attachments: The Felt Sense of Love with Julie Menanno 46:09

3M ago46:09

46:09

What does it feel like to be in a securely attached relationship? Renowned relationship expert and therapist Julie Menanno joins Reimagining Love to illuminate what we can learn from examining secure attachments. Together with Dr. Alexandra, Julie help anxious and avoidant partners understand each other by guiding us through how different attachmen…

1
"Why Can't I Get Over It?" 55:56

3M ago55:56

55:56

Deceit, infidelity, and betrayal profoundly shake our inner worlds. If you're struggling to heal from relational harm, you may be endlessly ruminating on the past and wondering why you can't just let it go. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra breaks down the process of forgiveness and provides seven reasons why you can’t get over it. Relevant links: Acc…

1
Trauma Bonds: Healing from Unhealthy Relationship Dynamics with Dr. Laura Copley 1:02:43

3M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

What are trauma bonds and how can we heal from them? Dr. Laura Copley joins the podcast to dive into the sticky dynamics of unhealthy, trauma-bonded relationships. Drawing from personal experiences and her work as a relationship trauma expert, Dr. Laura gives us insight into what she calls "the hero's journey" — a transformative path towards recogn…

1
Love By Design: Why Couples Succeed with Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh 59:29

4M ago59:29

59:29

Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh returns to Reimagining Love to share her research on the six ingredients that help love bloom into a thriving relationship. In this conversation, Dr. Sara encourages us to move beyond our culture's myth of finding a perfect mate and instead, focus on creating something special together. Relevant links: Love by Design: 6 Ingredi…

1
Are You Ready to Date Again? 58:03

4M ago58:03

58:03

Thinking about re-entering the dating scene after a breakup or loss? How can you tell if you're truly ready to get back out there? In this solo episode, Dr. Alexandra provides five Relational Self-Awareness-informed indicators that you can use to help you discern whether you’re ready to date again. Relevant links: Access this episode's companion wo…

1
What Role Did You Play in Your Family of Origin? 1:02:05

4M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

In this in-depth solo episode, Dr. Alexandra explains the six common roles we played in our original family systems. Way before we ever were involved in a romantic relationship, we were part of a family system, and that system, for better or for worse, shaped our ideas about who we can and cannot be. Through understanding our past, we can see how t…

1
Come Together: Cultivating Sexual Connection in Long-term Relationships with Emily Nagoski 53:16

4M ago53:16

53:16

Emily Nagoski joins Reimagining Love for a vulnerable and expansive conversation about nurturing lasting sexual connections in long-term partnerships. As an award-winning sex educator and author, Emily combines groundbreaking research, sex education, and stress education to expand our ideas about women's sexuality. In her new book, Come Together, E…

1
The D Word: An Empowering Approach to Divorce with Kate Anthony 54:18

5M ago54:18

54:18

Renowned divorce coach Kate Anthony sits down with Dr. Alexandra to offer us an empowering approach to divorce that centers accountability and integrity. Sharing wisdom from her own divorce, Kate guides Dr. Alexandra through the experience, from exploring what is embedded within the question ‘should I stay or should I go?’ to all the tricky things …

1
The Power of Play: Embodying Sex Positivity with Nicoletta Heidegger 51:50

5M ago51:50

51:50

Therapist and sexologist Nicoletta Heidegger joins Reimagining Love for an expansive conversation about all things sexuality. Nicoletta's approach shows the power of sex-positivity — encouraging curiosity about how everyone can learn to have better sex and, in doing so, build deeper connections to our senses, our relationships, and ourselves. Relev…

1
Intergenerational Healing: A Holistic Approach to Breaking Cycles with Dr. Mariel Buqué 51:03

5M ago51:03

51:03

Dr. Mariel Buqué joins Reimagining Love to discuss her debut book, Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. As an expert in intergenerational trauma, Dr. Buqué offers wisdom on what gets passed down within families: not only inheritances of pain and trauma but also precious stories and gifts. Dr. Buqué shares her journey of inf…

1
Reflect With Me: Checking In With Ourselves and Our Relationships in the New Year 24:27

5M ago24:27

24:27

In this special mini-solo episode, Dr. Alexandra invites you to join her as she reflects on 2023 and moves into the new year with intentionality. Sharing her perspective on resolutions, Dr. Alexandra encourages listeners to navigate this time with self-compassion and gentleness. Then, Dr. Alexandra guides listeners through two exercises designed to…

1
"My Partner’s Unhealthy Habit is Driving Me Crazy!" (Part Two) 35:20

6M ago35:20

35:20

Whether it's smoking, indulging in less-than-ideal meals, or not hitting the gym as often as we'd desire, it's easy to take our partner's unhealthy habits personally. If you struggle to cope with a partner's habit, Dr. Alexandra is here to help. In the second episode of this two-part series, Dr. Alexandra introduces the idea of a 'Health Habit Disc…

1
"My Partner’s Unhealthy Habit is Driving Me Crazy!" (Part One) 41:10

6M ago41:10

41:10

Whether it's smoking, indulging in less-than-ideal meals, or not hitting the gym as often as we'd desire, it's easy to take our partner's unhealthy habits personally. If you struggle to cope with a partner's habit, Dr. Alexandra is here to help. In the first episode of this two-part series, Dr. Alexandra examines what might be lying beneath your co…

1
Guidance for the Newly Single: 5 Strategies for Stability and Healing 45:26

6M ago45:26

45:26

Today’s solo episode is geared towards the “newly single,” whether you just got out of a brief situationship or a long-term, serious partnership. Dr. Alexandra breaks down what research tells us about why breakups are so challenging, and then delivers five practical strategies to help you feel more like you in this new era. Order Dr. Alexandra's ne…

1
Connecting Self-Care to Community Care: Healing Together with Minaa B. 1:07:50

7M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

Minaa B. joins Dr. Alexandra to discuss healing from trauma and the power of connecting self-care to community care. As a licensed social worker and mental health educator, Minaa's work explores the intersection of mental health and social justice, and uses this understanding to give context to our personal struggles, from our childhoods to the sys…

1
The Highs and Lows of Finding "Your Person": Bringing a Sense of Humor to Dating with Julie Krafchick & Yue Xu 51:33

7M ago51:33

51:33

Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu, hosts of the popular podcast Dateable, join Dr. Alexandra for a fun, yet insightful, conversation about all things dating. Together, they explore our rapidly changing dating culture and tackle three sticky relationship situations. Relevant links: Listen to the episode of Dateable where Dr. Alexandra joined Julie and Yue …

1
100th Episode: Answering Your Questions! 1:04:59

7M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Today's show is the 100th episode of Reimagining Love! Dr. Alexandra celebrates this milestone by answering several great listener questions: one from a woman in her 20s who is grappling with stability vs adventure in her love life; one about ambition differences between two partners; and one from a man desiring more affection from his partner. Tak…

1
Family Dynamics: How to Maintain Your Voice and Your Connection with Your Family of Origin with Julia Samuel 53:25

7M ago53:25

53:25

Dr. Alexandra is joined by therapist and author Julia Samuel for a wide-spanning conversation about family systems, intergenerational healing, grief, and money. Order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day: https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-every-day-365-relational-self-awareness-practices-to-help-your-relationship-heal-grow-and-thrive-alexandra-…

1
Kids & Digital Wellness: Parenting in the Age of Screens with Dr. Devorah Heitner 52:31

8M ago52:31

52:31

Dr. Devorah Heitner, an author and digital wellness expert, joins Dr. Alexandra for a conversation about parenting, technology, and the internet. As our world become more and more complex for kids of all ages, Dr. Heitner empowers parents to have conversations with their kids at all ages and stages, model healthy tech usage, and more. Order Dr. Ale…

1
Desire Differences: What to Do When You and Your Partner Have Mismatched Libidos with Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy & Dr. Jennifer Vencill 1:05:19

8M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

If you and your partner have a desire difference between you, you're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra is joined by guests Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy and Dr. Jennifer Vencill for an honest and compassionate conversation about mismatched libidos and how partners can navigate this challenge as a team. Order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Da…

1
Love, Acceptance, & Growth: The Insights We Glean from Couples Therapy with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish 59:43

8M ago59:43

59:43

Dr. Alexandra is joined by Dr. Tracy Dalgleish for a rich discussion about both of their new books, as well as the growth potential for couples when they engage in therapy and Relational Self-awareness. Order Dr. Tracy's new book, I Didn't Sign Up For This: https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-didn-t-sign-up-for-this-a-couples-therapist-shares-real-life-…

1
My 9 Favorite Resentment-Busting Strategies 59:00

8M ago59:00

59:00

Resentment is one of the most common yet debilitating emotional states we can find ourselves stuck in. In this solo episode, Dr. Alexandra normalizes the feeling of resentment and offers nine strategies that can help us get unstuck and begin to honor our own feelings and offer compassion to the people we love. Order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love E…

1
Navigating Open Relationships: How to Create Agreements that Foster Security and Growth with Jessica Fern & David Cooley 55:15

9M ago55:15

55:15

[CW: this episode contains mentions of suicidal ideation.] Intentional boundaries and thoughtful agreements help us ensure that our intimate partnerships are vehicles for growth, mutual support, and healing, especially for individuals and couples who are looking to create relationship agreements beyond monogamy to deepen their understanding of rela…

1
Help! My Kids Don't Want Me to Date! 55:51

9M ago55:51

55:51

Blending families is messy. There are no hard and fast rules. Today's solo episode is devoted to one listener's question about dating and motherhood. The question's theme of intentionality, about modeling relationships with the kids and her healing journey is far from an isolated experience. There will be nuggets in this episode to savor and work w…

1
If They Wanted To, They Would 1:03:23

9M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

A phrase we've been hearing a lot lately, especially in the dating world, and I’m sure you have as well is “If they wanted to, they would.” In today's episode, Dr Solomon will look at the kinds of fears and beliefs that lead people to stick the “if they wanted to they would” label on a relationship dynamic. You'll also lean into what might be happe…

1
Let's Talk About "Sleep Divorces" 43:23

9M ago43:23

43:23

We generally assume that long-term partners sleep in the same bed together. But for some couples, sleep issues or other concerns make it hard for two people to get a good night's rest. "Sleep divorces" are more common than you might think, but the stigma about them remains. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra shares tips for how to discuss sleeping arra…

1
Unlocking Pleasure: How Imagination Can Empower and Reignite Us with Gina Gutierrez 50:18

9M ago50:18

50:18

Gina Gutierrez, co-founder of the audio platform Dipsea, joins Dr. Alexandra for a conversation about sexuality, imagination, and empowerment. They discuss how audio erotica can help people— particularly women—reconnect with their pleasure and create a safe space for exploration with storytelling. Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day,…

1
Navigating Life Transitions As a Couple: A Conversation With My Husband, Todd 1:05:32

10M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Life transitions are inevitable. For couples and families, these chapters offer unique challenges and opportunities. This fall, Dr. Alexandra and her husband, Todd, are experiencing a major change of their own, as they launch their youngest off to college and become "empty-nesters." They sat down together in the studio for a candid conversation abo…

1
I Love Them, But I'm Not In Love With Them (Re-release) 46:34

10M ago46:34

46:34

Has someone every said this phrase to you? Have you ever said it to someone else? In this re-release of a foundational episode, Dr. Alexandra explores why the statement "I love you, but I'm not in love with you" is so complicated and what might actually be lying beneath these words in the context of an intimate relationship. Pre-order Dr. Alexandra…

1
Inviting a Reluctant Partner into Relationship Work (Re-release) 48:09

11M ago48:09

48:09

Working to improve your relationship is hard enough, and when your partner is resistant to the idea of reflecting together, it can feel like you're doomed. In this re-release of a foundational episode, Dr. Alexandra explores this common conundrum and shares reminders for the enthusiastic partner who is ready to dive into Relational Self-Awareness w…

1
Finding Your People: Navigating Friendships in Adulthood with Lane Moore 57:29

11M ago57:29

57:29

Lane Moore, the Author of "You Will Find Your People," joins Dr. Alexandra for a discussion about the joys and heartbreaks of friendship. Lane shares her impetus to write this thoughtful book, and the two discuss why some people might struggle more with friendship due to their upbringing or past experiences, and how they can create a community of p…

1
Should You Be Friends With Your Ex? 53:14

11M ago53:14

53:14

When a relationship comes to a close, how do we decide for ourselves what kind of connection, if any, should remain between us and our former partner? In this episode, Dr. Alexandra explores the topic of friendship with exes and shares some helpful musings and questions for anyone who is hoping to gain clarity about what might serve them and their …

1
Strategies for a Thriving Long-Distance Relationship 1:03:45

11M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Long-distance relationships are no walk in the park, but that doesn't mean they can't thrive. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra tackles this topic, sharing tools and tips for couples. If you and your partner live in different time zones, are pros at FaceTime dates, and are constantly asking, "when's our next visit?", this episode is for you. Access th…

1
Healing from Collective Trauma: Marking the Anniversary of the Highland Park Shooting with Audrey Grunst 56:16

12M ago56:16

56:16

Dr. Alexandra sits down with Audrey Grunst, a therapist and crisis response expert, to honor the memory of the victims and survivors of the Highland Park Shooting, and to paint a picture of the circles of impact that devastating tragedies such as this one have on communities. Content warning: this episode contains discussions about gun violence, ma…

1
Embracing the Bittersweet: The Beauty of Longing and Impermanence with Susan Cain 52:33

12M ago52:33

52:33

Susan Cain, author of the world-renowned bestsellers "Bittersweet" and "Quiet," joins Dr. Alexandra for a conversation about how to honor the poignancy found in the transitional periods of our lives, whether we're launching our kids off into the world, grieving the end of a relationship, or growing old. They also discuss the ways in which the bitte…

1
Breaking Patterns & Moving Forward: The Science of Stuck with Britt Frank 54:06

12M ago54:06

54:06

Britt Frank joins Dr. Alexandra for a conversation about "stuckness" in all its forms. We're all familiar with this feeling in some way or another, and in this episode, Britt offers listeners tools and takeaways to confront stuckness head on, so that we can face ourselves with honesty and learn the skills to carve healthier paths for ourselves in t…

1
How to Stop Overthinking Your Relationship: Tools for Progress & Peace with Alicia Muñoz 57:40

1y ago57:40

57:40

Cycles of rumination and overthinking can be hard to break free from, and they can negatively impact us and our relationships. In this episode, therapist Alicia Muñoz joins Dr. Alexandra to address this common thought pattern and shares tools for how to slow down and release ourselves from this headspace. Stop Overthinking Your Relationship: Break …

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Alexandra Mendes Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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